HL Deb 07 July 1997 vol 581 cc60-1WA
Lord Colwyn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the main recommendations of the Advisory Group on Osteoporosis which were published in January 1995 have been implemented, with particular reference to the recommendations that the National Health Service should make bone densitometry more widely available for those identified as being at high risk of developing osteoporosis; that there should be better co-ordination and communication between specialists dealing with osteoporosis; and that there should be nationally agreed clinical guidelines on treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Baroness Jay of Paddington)

The report of the Advisory Group on Osteoporosis, published in January 1995, was circulated widely to the National Health Service. It is for local health authorities to decide what priority to give to making bone density measurement available, based on local population needs. Local health authorities are also best placed to decide how to co-ordinate services to meet those local needs. A group led by the Royal College of Physicians is currently working on national clinical guidelines on the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

The Earl of Munster

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list (a) those Health Authorities and NHS Trusts that have implemented the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Osteoporosis of January 1995; and (b) those Health Authorities that fall in bands E and F in the "osteoporosis action rating" (those who were judged as having no or minimal osteoporosis service) in the National Osteoporosis Society's Osteoporosis Action Survey of February 1996.

Baroness Jay of Paddington

The Department of Health does not hold a list of the health authorities and NHS trusts that have implemented the recommendations of the report of the Advisory Group on Osteoporosis. The Department of Health circulated the report widely to the National Health Service when it was published in January 1995. It is for local health authorities to decide what priority to give to making bone density measurement available to those who need it, based on local population needs. It is also the responsibility of local health authorities to decide how best to co-ordinate services to meet those local needs. A copy of the National Osteoporosis Society's Osteoporosis Action Survey of February 1996 report has been placed in the Library. This survey was not commissioned by the Government.