Bone group in plea for help

A SUPPORT group is calling for dedicated facilities in York for sufferers of a bone deteriorating disease.

The appeal comes after one woman said she had to wait four years before being given a vital scan.

Pauline Bartle, who has osteoporosis, said that before she had the DEXA scan - used to measure bone density - she was put on the wrong medication and her condition deteriorated.

Enid Webster, of the York Support Group of the National Osteoporosis Society, said the group was pushing for a scanner at York Hospital.

Enid, 78, of Osbaldwick, said: "Many members have been advised a scan is only available privately at the Nuffield Hospital, in York, or through a referral from a hospital consultant which they say is difficult to get.

"We do have problems with different doctors giving out different advice. The procedures need to be made clear to everyone to prevent any patients suffering unnecessarily."

The group is also pushing for a specific osteoporosis consultant at the hospital rather than being treated by consultants from related disciplines.

Pauline, 71, of Hull Road said: "I was put a drug to treat osteoporosis and I was advised by my GP that in three years time I should go for a scan.

"When the three years came up, I returned to my doctor and was told I could not have the scan because the service had been removed under the PCT.

"It was only with the help of the York osteoporosis support group that meant I kept on pushing for the scan that I eventually got one through a hospital consultant.

"After I had the scan the results showed that my condition had deteriorated and I had three fractured vertebrae, rather than two as before.

"I think it is 100 per cent imperative that everyone who needs it is given the option to have a scan at York Hospital and they should be referred by their GP."

Dr Geddes for the North Yorkshire and York NHS Primary Care Trust said: "I cannot comment on a particular case but while there is not a scanner at York hospital, patients at risk of osteoporosis can be referred by their GP to the Nuffield Hospital for a scan.

Dr Ian Woods, medical director at York Hospital said: "It would be unusual for a hospital this size to have its own osteoporosis specialist because osteoporosis shows itself in many different ways.

"It may become clear from someone who has broken a bone, or someone taking hormone replacement therapy, or from a problem with a person's metabolism.

"Because it can come up as a condition in many different areas of the hospital, its treatment is covered by people such as orthopaedics, dieticians, and occupational therapists."

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become thin and weak. It happens more commonly in old age when the body becomes less able to replace worn out bone.

In some cases osteoporosis can be severe. About three million people in the UK have osteoporosis and there are over 230,000 fractures every year as a result.

Source: http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/yorknews/display.var.1588733.0.bone_group_in_plea_for_help.php