NHS Lanarkshire

NHS Lanarkshire has become the first health board in the UK to offer a new treatment for osteoporosis.

The Lanarkshire Intravenous Bisphosphonate Service will transform the way this medication is delivered to the people who need it most.

Bisphosphonates are types of drugs that make bones stronger, prevent breaks and relieve bone pain. They are normally taken by mouth as tablets. However, this is often unsuitable for the most frail patients.

Dr Eamonn Brankin, Clinical Director - Primary Care, North West Unit, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Up until now if someone with osteoporosis required bisphosphonates they would have been prescribed a tablet to be taken once a week. Patients are required to remain upright for a couple of hours after taking the tablet, unfortunately many frail elderly people who require bisphosphonates are unable to do this."

A nurse from the Lanarkshire Intravenous Bisphosphonate Service will visit patients in the wards and in residential or nursing homes to administer the drug as a once yearly intravenous infusion.

Dr Brankin said: “It only takes 15 minutes and compliance is 100 per cent. We are delighted NHS Lanarkshire is able to offer this valuable service which will make a huge difference to the lives of many people across Lanarkshire.

The service will be available to people with osteoporosis who have already suffered a fractured hip as they are at the highest risk of further health problems. 

Osteoporosis is a devastating condition and often there are no signs or symptoms until a break occurs. Although the condition itself is not life-threatening, the after-effects of fractures can be. International research has shown that, one year after a hip fracture, one in five patients died, in Lanarkshire this is up to 30 per cent. 

Osteoporosis costs the NHS an estimated £1.7 billion per year or £5 million per day for hip fractures alone.

SNP MSP Linda Fabiani (for Central Scotland) said: “I am a patron of the Osteoporosis Society in Lanarkshire and I am delighted that this new service has been introduced by NHS Lanarkshire. NHS Lanarkshire has continually proved innovative in its approach to treating osteoporosis and this is yet another sign of this.”

Labour MSP Elaine Smith (for Coatbridge and Chryston) said: “This new service will make a big difference to the lives of many of my constituents and to people throughout Lanarkshire with osteoporosis. It’s not only about spending money on a new service but on spending to save money in the longer term and, most importantly, to save lives. I want to commend everyone involved in this project and congratulate NHS Lanarkshire on being the first NHS board in the UK to offer this treatment.”