The Western Health and Social Services Trust has launched a new Fracture Liaison Service at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry address the growing problem of fractures caused by osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis, which accounts for over 1,200 treatments for fractures each year in the Western Trust area, is a chronic disease that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.
It affects one in three women and one in 12 men aged over 50 years old.
It is also common within families.
It is often only recognised after an older person falls and sustains a fracture.
The new Fracture Liaison Service works by identifying people over 50 who have been treated for a fracture at the hospital.
Those affected will be invited for a Bone Mineral Density scan to identify whether osteoporosis is present.
If the scan confirms osteoporosis, the patient will then be given relevant lifestyle advice on how to manage the condition and treatment will be discussed if necessary.
Geraldine McKay, Director of Acute Services said withh an aging population it was vital to raise awareness about issues such as bone health and osteoporosis.
She added: “Fracture Liaison Services are a proven, cost effective way of reducing the impact of osteoporosis and fractures through identifying people with fractures caused by low trauma injuries.
“I am convinced this new service will bring great benefits to the local population whilst reducing the pressures on the hospital.”
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