Contact details

0118 322 5111 Ext: 3542

Email: rbft.fls@nhs.net

Address

Level 2, North Block
Royal Berkshire Hospital
Craven Road
Reading
Berkshire RG1 5AN

Patient information leaflets

Fracture Liaison Service

The Fracture Liaison Service helps identify people who have had a low-impact fracture and may be at higher risk of breaking another bone in the future.

This service is available to patients aged 50 and over who have experienced a fracture that wouldn’t normally be expected to break a bone - for example, after a simple fall or minor injury. Because osteoporosis (reduced bone strength) has no symptoms until a fracture occurs, we recommend screening for all patients who experience these types of fractures. Fingers, toes, and skull fractures are not included.

As part of the assessment, you may be referred for blood tests to check for conditions that can affect bone health. Some patients will also be offered a bone density scan (DEXA scan) to check for osteoporosis.

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, our team will work with you to create a personalised care plan. This may include lifestyle advice, fall prevention support, and medication to strengthen your bones. We can also refer you to services that help reduce your risk of future falls or help you regain confidence after a fracture.

The Fracture Liaison Service aims to identify and treat reduced bone strength early, helping to prevent serious fractures of the hip or spine as patients mature.

Patient referrals

Patients are often identified and contacted by the Fracture Liaison Service following a visit to the fracture clinic, our emergency departments, minor injuries units, and wards. However patients can also be referred by their GP, community services and clinical teams. We also do accept patient self-referrals.

The Fracture Liaison Service accepts patients over the age of 50 who have sustained a fall from the equivalent height of three standard steps or below. This includes a fall while walking, tripping up a curb, or falling down 2 to 3 steps. We routinely exclude injuries caused while playing sport, a fall off of a bicycle, or running.

Fracture sites of concern include the neck of femur, vertebra, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, clavicle, tibia and fibula. We do not include fractures of the skull, phalanx, patella, scapula, carpal or tarsal bones. All other fracture sites are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Patient referrals

We do accept patient self-referrals. You can make a self-referral by:

Please note: when making a referral, please include fracture site, mechanism of injury, and any relevant past medical history.

Resources for patients

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS)

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) has resources on its website for patients who are undergoing tests for or have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia. This includes information on lifestyle and diet in managing bone health as well as important treatment options. 

They also have a free phone line staffed by specialist nurses.

Email: nurses@theros.org.uk
Tel: 0808 800 0035

BONE MED

BONE MED is a service provided by the Royal Osteoporosis Society for patients who have commenced a form of fracture prevention treatment. Patients are asked to complete a short survey including details of their current treatment plan. They will then receive a tailored medicine summary including information and videos about their medicine. The service will send emails with practical tips and infromation and how to look after your bones.

Patient Information Leaflets

Leaflets for fracture prevention treatments can be found on our website.