12/01/2024
Our Fracture Liaison and Osteoporosis service has marked its 10th Anniversary milestone with a celebration tea party for former and current staff who have been instrumental in the development of this service.
Osteoporosis affects 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 years of age. Northern Ireland is one of the UK regions fully supported by a Fracture Liaison service. The aim of the Fracture Liaison and Osteoporosis service is to identify people aged 50-75 years who have suffered a low trauma fracture. The service then provides assessment, advice and treatment recommendations to help prevent the risk of further fractures.
Professor David Armstrong, Consultant Rheumatologist and Clinical Lead for Osteoporosis & Fracture Liaison said:
“The success of the Fracture Liaison Service is due to the commitment and dedication of staff to providing a high standard of care and treatment with a focus on current guidelines on treating osteoporosis. Over the last 10 years the Western Trust Fracture Liaison Service has prevented 100s of fractures in high risk patients, freeing hospital beds and promoting good bone health. The team have been proactive in implementing the very latest national guidelines ensuring our patients receive a service second to none in the UK.”
Cathy Glass, Nursing Services Manager Trauma and Orthopaedics at the Western Trust explained:
“Fracture Liaison services have been shown to reduce incidence of further fractures especially hip and spinal fractures. This maintains a good quality of life in later years and has shown to prevent hospital stays.
“The service incorporates three scanning sites at Altnagelvin Hospital, South West Acute Hospital and Ballymena Primary Care and Health centre. One-stop clinics are available where patients are seen following having a DEXA scan and given results and advice by specialist nurses. Following consultant review treatment recommendations are given.
“The service is led by Lead Consultant Professor David Armstrong, along with a multi-disciplinary team including Dr Cooke Ortho-physician, Specialist Nurses Denise Pattison, Rhonda Hunter and Joanne Kee and lead DEXA radiographers Anne-Marie Higgins and Leanne Burns, supported by a team of radiographers and administrative staff.
“I wish to pass on my congratulations to the team involved in this transformative service for our patients in the Western Trust over the past 10 years and I wish you all continued success for the future.”
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