The UK Government's commitment to establish life-saving brittle-bone clinics across the country by 2030 is in jeopardy without immediate intervention, according to leading medical professionals. A crucial 59 additional fracture liaison services (FLS), vital for the early detection and diagnosis of osteoporosis, are required to fulfill this ambitious target. However, the Society of Radiographers has expressed significant concern over ongoing delays.

Osteoporosis impacts more than 3.5 million individuals in the UK, with nearly two-thirds of those affected being women. A significant number of these individuals remain unaware of their condition until they experience a bone fracture. Healthcare charities emphasize that the expansion of early detection centers could not only save the National Health Service (NHS) millions of pounds but also prevent thousands of fatalities. The Royal Osteoporosis Society estimates that approximately 2,500 people die each year due to the severe and debilitating consequences of preventable hip fractures.

The pledge for universal fracture liaison services by 2030 originated as a pre-election promise from Health Secretary Wes Streeting, aiming to eliminate a 'postcode lottery' in care, following a joint campaign by The Mail on Sunday and the Royal Osteoporosis Society. This commitment was subsequently reinforced and included in the NHS ten-year plan last summer. Despite this, the Society of Radiographers warns that insufficient progress is being made to realize the promise.

Katie Thompson, President of the Society of Radiographers, stated, 'Our members have become increasingly worried about the delay to the promised rollout.' She further highlighted that calculations indicate ministers will be unable to meet the 2030 deadline unless the rollout commences by this summer. Establishing these specialized clinics requires substantial time and meticulous planning to ensure they are fully staffed, including the essential radiography workforce. Radiographers frequently witness patients whose lives have been profoundly affected by devastating and disabling fractures that could have been avoided through timely diagnosis and treatment.

In response to these critical concerns, the Society respectfully urged ministers to release a comprehensive rollout plan before the 2030 target becomes completely unattainable. The Department of Health affirmed its commitment, stating last night, 'We are committed to rolling out fracture liaison services by 2030 – it is a key commitment.'