Local Fracture Liaison Service receives Silver Star accreditation
The Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) has been awarded with a Silver Star accreditation from the International Osteoporosis Foundation’s ‘Capture the Fracture’ programme.
The service identifies patients who have had a low energy fracture and are at risk of osteoporosis, and bridges the care between hospital, primary care and community services, including both spinal and non-spinal fractures. It also assists people in maximising bone health by providing education on lifestyle factors, minimising falls risk and by recommending medication if required.
Since it formed in 2022, the service has identified and supported over 1000 patients over the age of 50 with fragility fractures.
While there are some risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures that people can’t control, such as age and family history, there are lifestyle choices that can contribute to good bone health.
From left: Barb Bentley, Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) Coordinator, Kate Ball, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Fiona Logan, FLS Administrator and Kim Fergusson, FLS Coordinator
Kate Ball, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Health NZ Nelson Marlborough said the award reflects the efforts of the FLS team and support and engagement from the community, and secondary, primary and community services.
“The award assures our community that they are receiving a high quality and effective preventative service. We are delighted that the team has been acknowledged.
“Awareness of risk and early diagnosis are key to the maintenance of good bone health. Those who are over the age of 50 and have had a recent fracture are at double the risk of breaking another within a year."
Regular weight bearing exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and adequate (and safe) sun exposure to absorb sufficient vitamin D all help to maintain good bone health.
The first Australia New Zealand Fragility Fracture Registry (ANZFFR) report was published in March 2024 and highlighted that 80% of fragility fractures around New Zealand were one of the ‘big five’ – hip, wrist, humerus, spine, or pelvis and the average patient was 76 years old.
Those who think they may be at risk should contact their local GP for advice.
For more information on bone health, please visit bones.org.nz/