HC Deb 11 February 1997 vol 290 cc158-9W
Sir Irvine Patnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures are being taken to encourage GPs and health authorities to make greater use of bone density measurements in those cases where an individual is identified as being at high risk of developing osteoporosis; and if he will make a statement; [15004]

(2) what guidance he (a) has issued and (b) plans to issue to health authorities to improve the co-ordination and delivery of services for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis; and if he will make a statement. [15006]

Mr. Horam

The Department of Health published a report of the advisory group on osteoporosis in January 1995, and circulated it widely to the national health service. It is for local health authorities to decide what priority to give to making bone density measurement available to those who need it, and how best to co-ordinate services to meet local needs. The White Paper "The National Health Service—a Service with Ambitions", sets out a framework for the continued development of better co-ordinated and integrated services. We have no plans to issue specific guidance on osteoporosis services. Copies of the report of the advisory group on osteoporosis and of the White Paper are available in the Library.

Sir Irvine Patnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent to which the lifestyle measures contained in the "The Health of the Nation" to reduce the risk of coronary disease and cancer are applicable to the prevention of osteoporosis; and if he will make a statement. [15005]

Mr. Horam

The "Health of the Nation" strategy identified five key areas in which substantial improvements in health can be achieved, and set objectives and targets in each. Implementation of the strategy includes promoting certain lifestyle measures which can help individuals improve their own health. These measures include taking regular physical activity, eating healthily, sensible alcohol consumption and giving up smoking, all of which have a beneficial effect on bone health, and can help prevent osteoporosis.