Peter Dowd MP joins the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Osteoporosis and Bone Health in the lead up to World Osteoporosis Day to improve policy around osteoporosis.

The APPG aims to explore and assess current policy around healthcare inequalities facing patients with osteoporosis. As its first act, the APPG launched an inquiry into the provision of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), a British-born success story that systematically identifies, assesses and treats anyone who sustains a fracture after age 50.

Findings of this inquiry revealed that only half of NHS Trusts (51%) in England were able to confirm they have an FLS, leaving 85,000 people undiagnosed and at risk of further fractures. In comparison, coverage is 100% in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The inquiry will publish a report with recommendations to Government and policy makers in December 2021.

Peter Dowd MP said:

“I was shocked when the ROS told me there is no Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) for Bootle residents, which leaves many slipping through the net of receiving vital treatment and support they need for their osteoporosis. I strongly believe that everyone should have equal access to healthcare services so I’ve joined the APPG on Osteoporosis and Bone Health to learn more about this issue and to campaign for proper secondary fracture prevention services for Bootle residents.”

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), the charity delivering the Secretariat for the APPG, has highlighted the under-diagnosis, under-treatment and low public awareness which has characterised the so-called ‘silent disease’. One in two women and one in five men over 50 are affected by osteoporosis, but the condition can also impact much younger people.

However, between 2015 and 2020, osteoporosis was raised in the UK Parliament only 31 times, showing the importance of a new cross-party group to lead the debate.

Peter will join fellow Labour MP and Chair of the APPG Judith Cummings MP, as well around 30 other MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum, to challenge the inequalities that osteoporosis patients face in the United Kingdom.