Principia MCP Vanguard in Rushcliffe, South Nottinghamshire has commissioned a community Fracture Liaison Service to work in conjunction with an established acute Fracture Liaison Service.This new community service identifies patients with first/secondary low-trauma hip and fragility fractures in order to provide intravenous treatments in the community, reducing the number of IV treatments provided in hospital or by out-sourced services, outpatient clinic follow-ups and the associated costs and inconvenience of travel.
Patient feedback has been incredibly positive, particularly around the compassionate and personalised care provided, and the time taken to explain the treatment and answer patients’ questions.
Patients say they are ‘over the moon’ at not having to travel to hospital, being seen closer to home and in a less overwhelming environment.
One patient who has benefited from the new service is 66 year-old Richard:
Richard attended his GP practice with chronic back pain following a fall downstairs.
Two lots of prescription painkillers failed to control his pain and he was referred to the local hospital for a biopsy, dexa scan (to measure bone mineral density) and an x-ray. Richard’s x-ray showed multiple Osteoporotic fractures to his vertebrae and ribs and he was diagnosed with osteoporosis.
He was prescribed two treatment medications; Alendronic Acid to strengthen his bones and reduce the risk of subsequent fragility, vertebral and hip fractures, alongside a Calcium/Vitamin D supplement, which is crucial to maximise bone health.
He would also to attend for regular follow-up at the hospital Bone Health Clinic. Richard found taking the Alendronic acid tablets difficult - he had to remember to take them once a week, early in the morning on an empty stomach with two glasses of water; Richard was unable to lie down or eat/drink after taking the medication for at least 30 minutes.
Taking the Alendronic Acid caused a number of unpleasant side effects for Richard, which he often found to be painful and difficult to manage. Following a Consultant review, he was recommended for IV Zoledronate, and was referred to the community Fracture Liaison Service.
Within days Richard was delighted to be offered an appointment at his own local health centre. Richard was also able to book a late afternoon appointment which meant he could fit in his treatment around work commitments during the day.
Says Richard of his treatment: “It was such a positive experience. The nurse really took on board my anxiety about needles and apprehension at having a drip - she chatted to me to distract me the whole time. In the end I was very relaxed and quite painless. “Now I only have to go back for treatment about every 18 months - much better than having to remember to take pills every week. I don’t use the NHS a lot as I’m not an ‘ill’ person, so it’s wonderful that it all comes together and the service is so good when you do need to use it - I certainly won’t be anxious next time.”