§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve health education and preventative programmes for older people at risk of osteoporosis. [111995]
§ Yvette CooperAn Osteoporosis Strategy was launched in June 1998 by the then Minister for Public Health, my right hon. Friend the 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 on prevention and treatment, a laminated desk top guide, and a local health action sheet. Central to the Strategy was the Royal College of Physicians evidence-based Clinical Guidelines on the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. This has provided a firm basis for health authorities to develop their own strategies.
Information on all these initiatives is available on the Department of Health's website at www.open.gov.uk/doh/osteop.htm.
Officials in the Department of Health also work closely with the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) who are the leading charity in this field. NOS are in receipt of departmental funding to assist them with their work in increasing awareness about this disease among clinicians and members of the public.