A further two pilot schemes for Wales and Scotland will be announced later in the year. Our 'cradle to grave' strategy involves many different agencies and has been welcomed by Chief Medical Officer, Liam Donaldson, as an excellent example of the type of integrated approach that is likely to be successful in the long-term. We hope that it will have a very real impact in reducing the rate of osteoporotic fractures and, in turn, improving the quality of life for thousands of older people.
Osteoporosis is a disease which causes bones to become so fragile that they break easily.
In the UK it currently affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men during their lifetime. However, osteoporosis can be largely prevented and successfully treated to reduce further bone loss and the risk of fractures.