Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to improve (a) awareness and (b) early diagnosis of osteoporosis before people suffer bone fractures as a result of the disease.  [17293]

[Due for Answer on 14 July. Answered on 15 July.]

HOLDING ANSWER: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention (Sharon Hodgson): There are resources in place to help support healthcare professionals in the early diagnosis of osteoporosis, such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical knowledge summary on osteoporosis and the prevention of fragility fractures.

The Royal College of General Practitioners also has an e-learning module for general practitioners on the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, developed in collaboration with the Royal Osteoporosis Society, which is designed to support the early diagnosis of osteoporosis by highlighting which groups are at higher risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures.

In March this year, the Government announced funding for 20 new bone density, or DEXA, scanners across England, supported by £2.6 million of investment. Tens of thousands of patients will benefit from faster access to bone scans as a result, helping to ensure that people with bone conditions, such as osteoporosis, get diagnosed earlier. This builds on the first wave of 13 DEXA scanners announced last year.

Last year in 2025, over 21,000 extra DEXA scans were delivered compared with the previous year, 2024.