MP Secures Debate on Osteoporosis

10.47.29am GMT Tue 2nd Mar 2004

After receiving letters from constituents in Twickenham about the problems of - mainly - older people with weak bones MP Vincent Cable obtained a full debate in parliament this week (Wednesday).

There are approximately 86,000 hip fractures alone a year - roughly 250 in the borough - costing the NHS £1.7 billion. Vincent Cable said: "at present, very little is done to prevent the growing numbers of fractures caused by weakening bones. It is primarily an issue for older people, especially women, and it will grow more serious with an ageing population. There is enormous pain and disability as a result".

"Many of the problems could be alleviated by modest dietary supplements of calcium and vitamin D and by simple, preventative, work amongst older people. Yet the NHS is still primarily concerned with dealing with diseases rather than preventing them".