The scanners, at Leeds General Infirmary and Wharfedale Hospital, will enable earlier diagnosis of the condition, which weakens bones, making them so fragile that even a cough or sneeze could cause a break.
Advanced technology means the scanners can identify the quality of a patient’s bones in great detail, detecting indicators of illness. Early diagnosis results in faster treatment and better outcomes for patients.
Louise Koplick, Radiology Team Manager at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Almost one in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to poor bone health. Early diagnosis is really important because there are many very effective treatment options available.
“Last year in Leeds we scanned around 8,000 patients and that was our capacity with the previous scanners, which were 13 years old and less reliable. With the new scanners we should be able to scan around 11,000 patients a year. This will make a real difference to early diagnosis and treatment for patients.”
Craig Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said: “People in West Yorkshire who have undiagnosed osteoporosis are going to benefit enormously from Wes Streeting’s investment in a hi-tech, ultra-modern bone scanner for the area.
“Osteoporosis can cause life-threatening fractures, bringing hospitalisation and isolation, but these new scanners will diagnose thousands of patients early, giving them back the lives and futures they deserve.”
Eleven other hospitals across the country are also receiving the new scanners, with the aim of delivering 29,000 extra scans per year nationally.
More than one in three women and one in five men will experience one or more osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime.
Dr Katharine Halliday, President of the Royal College of Radiologists, said: “We welcome the pledge for more DEXA scanners which will help to deliver better care for patients at risk of osteoporosis.
“Increasing capacity to deliver scans in the hospitals and regions that need it most will be an important step to make sure patients receive timely, effective care no matter where they live.”
Mr Haitham Hamoda, Trustee and Past Chair, British Menopause Society said: “This is very welcome news. Osteoporosis and related fractures is a significant public health issue. It is estimated that more than one in three women may sustain an osteoporosis related fracture, with significant associated morbidity and mortality.
“In addition, women with premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause have a significantly increased risk of osteoporosis and related fractures.
“Increasing access and availability to bone density screening and assessment will improve detection and allow earlier discussion of preventative measure and treatment.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “Having seen the pain of a family member breaking a hip because of her osteoporosis, I know only too well how debilitating a condition it can be.
“We know that early diagnosis of brittle bone conditions means faster treatment and better outcomes for patients, which is why I promised before the election that we would deliver an extra 15,000 scans a year. The investment the government is making in new scanners across the country will deliver an extra 29,000 scans a year, almost double what I promised.
“Our Plan for Change is cutting waiting lists by investing in our NHS, which is only possible because of the increase in employers’ national insurance.”
Sue Mann, Clinical Lead for Women’s Health at NHS England, said: “This is a welcome targeted investment for the NHS Trusts across England set to receive these new scanners – they measure tiny reductions in bone density that can help us diagnose osteoporosis in its early stages, before you break a bone.
“These scanners are key tools for prevention, particularly for some women who are known to be at higher risk of osteoporosis such as those who go through early menopause.”
