Royal Osteoporosis Society warns of preventable deaths from delayed diagnosis clinics
The Royal Osteoporosis Society has warned that preventable deaths are occurring due to delays in rolling out early diagnosis clinics for osteoporosis in England.
Narrative Synthesis
Neutral news article compiled by integrating coverage details from all reporting stations.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society has warned that preventable deaths are occurring because of delays in rolling out early diagnosis clinics for osteoporosis in England. The charity says the diagnosis rate for the condition is flatlining despite repeated government promises to improve treatment, and it is calling for an end to what it describes as a postcode lottery for patients' access to care.
According to the society, there could be more than 40,000 preventable deaths among those with the condition unless something changes. It also estimates that 146,000 patients may suffer preventable hip fractures. At current rates, the charity says it could take 38 years for the government to meet its promise of guaranteeing equal access to clinics, a target that was supposed to be achieved by 2030.
Osteoporosis affects around 3.5 million people in the UK, and half of women over the age of 50 have the condition. The charity says hormonal changes around the perimenopause are a key reason why women are more affected. It is calling for early diagnosis clinics to help people live well with the condition, but says these clinics are currently "invisible to the NHS" because of the lack of them.
The Department of Health and Social Care has said the government remains committed to rolling out fracture liaison services by 2030 as part of its 10-year health plan. It also points to investment in 20 state-of-the-art DEXA scanners across the country to help diagnose fragile bones earlier. However, the Royal Osteoporosis Society argues that only five of those scanners are new and that this will not change the situation when 90,000 people are missing treatment.
The charity notes that government ministers have pledged in parliament 85 times to start the rollout, but it has not begun. It contrasts the situation in England with Wales, where the Welsh government pledged a rollout of early diagnosis clinics in 2024 and implemented it immediately. The treatment rate in Wales has since doubled, with thousands of people now preventing hip fractures.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society is urging ministers to have an honest conversation about whether they will carry through the promise and deliver the clinics by 2030. In the meantime, it advises people to take preventive steps such as weight-bearing exercise, and ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, but stresses that those with severe osteoporosis need access to medication.
On screen
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Key Claims
Factual or political claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| At current rates, it would take 38 years to meet the government's 2030 target for equal access to clinics. | |
| Government ministers have pledged in parliament 85 times to start the rollout, but it has not begun. | |
| Royal Osteoporosis Society estimated 40,000 preventable deaths and 146,000 preventable hip fractures if no action is taken. |
Channel Perspectives
Editorial focus, emphasis angles, and key quotes from each reporting news station.
The channel focused on the human impact of delayed diagnosis, using an interview with a charity representative to highlight the scale of preventable deaths and fractures. It contrasted government promises with inaction, and drew a direct comparison with Wales to show what could be achieved. The tone was critical of the government's pace, but balanced by including the official response from the Department of Health.
- “The Royal Osteoporosis Society warned there could be more than 40,000 preventable deaths of those with the condition unless something changes.”
- “They say 146,000 patients may suffer preventable hip fractures. And by their estimates, it could take 38 years at current rates for the government to meet its promise on guaranteeing equal access to clinics.”
- “In contrast to in England, the Welsh government also pledged a rollout of these early diagnosis clinics in 2024. They cracked on, they made it happen immediately. The treatment rate in Wales has doubled.”
Bulletin Timeline
Chronological list of news reports tracked for this story.