In a number of debates in the House of Lords, Guy has continued to press the Government on the need to ensure there is universal access to Fracture Liaison Services in England – saying that “warm words and empty promises” are not enough.

In a short debate in February 2024, he asked Government Minister Lord Markham “whether he accepts that the 90,000 people who need anti-osteoporosis medication are missing out on it because of no access to FLS; that universal coverage of FLS in England could prevent 31,000 hip fractures over five years; and that investment in FLS would pay for itself in just 18 months? If he does accept those points, can he tell us why on earth these promises have not been honoured, and why the needless suffering of tens of thousands of people has not been brought to an end? When will words finally become deeds?”

The text of the debate, including the Minister’s reply, is here.

In an earlier debate he sponsored – in September 2023 – he set out why it is so important that this issue is tackled:

“Fractures are no minor inconvenience; they are the fourth-worst cause of premature death and disability in the UK. As many people die of fracture-related causes as of lung cancer or diabetes. Fractures are also the second-highest driver of bed occupancy in the NHS. Today, they cost the health and social care system £4.6 billion. By 2030, this will edge towards £6 billion as we all live longer. Furthermore, fractures account for 2.62 million sick days annually in the UK, and spinal fractures in particular are a significant cause of older workers exiting the workforce in their 50s and 60s —figures of which the Treasury should take careful note.”

The full text of that debate is here.

ENDS