§ 34. Mrs. GilroyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what investment his Department is making in services to combat osteoporosis. [92622]
§ Yvette CooperThe Department has invested in measures to highlight the importance in preventing the development of osteoporosis and resulting fractures and the need for health authorities to develop their own local strategies. An osteoporosis strategy for England was launched in June 1998 by my right hon. Friend the470W Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Ms Jowell) at the sixth Bath Conference on Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Measurement. The strategy consisted of a quick reference primary care guide, a laminated desk top guide and a local health action sheet.
The Department does not specify what proportion of health authorities' funding allocations is to be spent on services to combat osteoporosis. It is for health authorities, in partnership with National Health Service trusts, primary care groups, local authorities and local stakeholders to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health and modernising services. The additional resources of at least 5.45 per cent. cash increase to all health authorities for 1999–2000 will help them in this.