More than a hundred delegates from across Fife recently took part in a planning conference in Dunfermline to assist in the development of a Fife-wide strategy for prevention of Falls, Osteoporosis and Fractures.

MSP Helen Eadie gave the welcome address to key stakeholders from health, council, social work, voluntary sector, nursing homes and representatives of older people. Throughout the day, delegates worked together sharing and discussing current service provision compared with best practice and national guidelines.

Other areas covered included identifying any perceived service gaps, or barriers between different agencies. Delegates then agreed key issues and next steps towards developing a Fife-wide strategy.

A multi-agency working group established earlier in the year organised the conference with support from The Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative - a collaboration between the National Osteoporosis Society, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and the Scottish Osteoporosis Industry Group. The Fife conference is the first of the local workshops taking place as part of the Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative's regional workshop programme running till spring 2005.

Dr Gordon McLaren, Public Health Consultant, said, "Falls, Osteoporosis and fractures are very important issues for people as they get older and considering the over 50 population is expected to rise in number by 22% by 2016, it is important that we review our approaches to these linked issues. The good news is there is much that we can do for prevention as well as treatment. This is the first time we have brought together such a wide range of people from different agencies and groups across Fife to discuss these linked issues.

"We achieved a lot from the day and our aim is to use the information to further improve services for falls, osteoporosis and fractures, including prevention. A key message for people of all ages, is to engage in appropriate levels of physical activity, eat a balanced diet and avoid smoking. These all play their part in reducing the risk of falls, osteoporosis and fractures, as well as the more specific treatments."

Helen Eadie said, "This important conference brought together clinicians, patients and politicians. I congratulate and commend those who have committed to raise the awareness of the public on the disease known as Osteoporosis. Invaluable work has been and continues to be undertaken by the professionals in Fife treating patients who have the disease and educating all of us on how the disease manifests itself and what can be done to treat the disease.

"Understanding Osteoporosis, Falls and Fractures and what needs to be done by all concerned is a vital part of ensuring that a sound strategy is in place in Fife. I am delighted to have been asked to be the guest speaker opening the conference and I am also very glad to have been asked to be the honorary President of the Fife Group of Osteoporosis Sufferers. I will be taking a keen interest in all the work that is being done by that group and I shall, hopefully, help to make a contribution in this very important work in the time ahead."

About one third of people over 65 may have a fall each year and 95% of hip fractures are due to a fall. People who experience a fall are more likely to fracture a bone if they have osteoporosis. It is estimated that 3 million people in the UK suffer from osteoporosis. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men over the age of 50 may develop the disease. For more information on the Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative visit www.osteoporosisinscotland.org

For more information contact:
Christine Warkentin, Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative Co-ordinator
Tel: 01698 540111

Notes to Editors:

SIGN
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network was established in 1993 to improve the effectiveness of clinical care for patients in Scotland. SIGN does this by developing, publishing and disseminating evidence based guidelines for NHSScotland. SIGN guidelines identify and promote good clinical practice and when implemented locally help to address variations in clinical practice across Scotland. SIGN was established by the Medical Royal Colleges and includes representatives from all the medical specialties; dentistry; nursing; allied health professions; pharmacy; health service managers; social workers and patients. SIGN maintains a comprehensive and user-friendly website. All the guidelines can be easily located and downloaded from www.sign.ac.uk

NOS
The National Osteoporosis Society is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It offers support to people with osteoporosis and their families through a range of information booklets and a telephone helpline - 0845 450 0230. It has a large network of local support groups across the United Kingdom and works with healthcare professionals to facilitate greater understanding of the needs of people with osteoporosis. The NOS also encourages national governments and local health boards to resource and deliver appropriate services to prevent, diagnose and treat the broken bones due to osteoporosis. For more information visit www.nos.org.uk

ABPI - SOIG
The Scottish Osteoporosis Industry Group (SOIG) was set up in April 2003 under the auspices of the Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), Scotland, to actively promote improved diagnosis and management of osteoporosis through the implementation of SIGN 71: Management of Osteoporosis. The principal aim of SOIG is to work with other interested parties especially the members of the Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative to help improve the quality of care given to people with this condition. SOIG works with all relevant local agencies to ensure people with osteoporosis have equitable access to diagnostic facilities and the best available treatments, services and medicines for their condition. SOIG also assists the Osteoporosis Guideline Initiative Steering Group in raising the profile and awareness of osteoporosis among all key opinion leaders and policy makers.