A SILSDEN woman is backing efforts to end "a postcode lottery" which it's claimed means some osteoporosis sufferers are missing out on desperately-needed treatment.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society is leading the campaign, which comes after an All-Party Parliamentary Group inquiry found that only around half of NHS trusts in England and Wales have a Fracture Liaison Service.

The service assesses people over 50 who break a bone, to identify any underlying osteoporosis ­– which can then give the patient access to medication to prevent further fractures.

Everybody in Scotland and Northern Ireland automatically accesses the service, irrespective of where they live.

Christine Sharp, 67, from Silsden, has suffered spinal fractures which she says could have been prevented if she'd had access to a Fracture Liaison Service.

She adds: "I’ve lived with osteoporosis for 20 years.

"To date I have suffered 13 spinal fractures, and a broken rib last year just by bumping into a chair. When winter comes, I’m terrified of stepping outside when the ground is icy for fear of falling or slipping. I’ve been known to be completely housebound for up to ten days during these conditions.

"I really do believe that if a fracture I suffered in my spine had been spotted earlier than it was, I would have been spared a great deal of pain and suffering. As a result of this, I suffered more fractures – which were both devastating and life changing. Living with these fractures is a nightmare that never goes away.

"The Fracture Liaison Service needs to be available to everyone over the age of 50 who breaks a bone due to osteoporosis, in order for them to be treated appropriately to help prevent further fractures."

The bone-weakening disease affects 3.5 million people in the UK.

Craig Jones, for the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said: "Even before the pandemic, two-thirds of people were missing out on the treatment they need for osteoporosis. This is causing unnecessary pain, disability and loss of independence. We must call time on the vast inequalities in osteoporosis healthcare facing tens of thousands of people across England and Wales.

"By ensuring 100 per cent access to Fracture Liaison Services across the whole of the UK, we can transform people’s experience of later life and take enormous pressure off the shoulders of our NHS."

As part of its campaign, the society is urging people to sign a petition at theros.org.uk/how-you-can-help/campaign-with-us/campaign-for-100-fls.