Patients at risk of osteoporosis and other bone conditions in the North West are getting faster access to vital bone scans, following investment in new bone scanners.

Liverpool Women’s University Hospital is to become the latest in the region to receive one of 20 new and replacement scanners announced by the Department of Health and Social Care today (2 March).

It’s in addition to three new and replacement scanners delivered to Salford Royal Hospital, Ellesmere Port Hospital, and St Catherine’s Health Centre, part of Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, during the first wave of investment last year.

The scanners – known as DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) machines – measure bone density and are the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk.

They help diagnose fragile bones earlier and prevent painful, life-changing fractures – particularly among older people and women, who are disproportionately affected by osteoporosis.

Joe Downie, Director of Operations at Liverpool Women’s University Hospital said: “The replacement DEXA scanner will significantly enhance our imaging and diagnostic services. This upgraded technology will give patients the timely support and treatment they need.

“It will also strengthen collaboration across the system, allowing us to provide mutual aid and specialist support to other NHS providers, helping to improve outcomes for patients.”

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, said: “It’s great news for people in our region who are at risk of osteoporosis or other bone conditions that they can increasingly get access to the diagnostic tests and monitoring they need closer to home using the very latest technology, thanks to the addition of these new and replacement scanners.”

The replacement scanner delivered to Salford Royal Hospital last year has almost doubled the number of people who can be scanned each day

Patients who have benefited include Sharon Liptrott, 50, from South Manchester, who was diagnosed with osteopenia in 2021, the stage before osteoporosis when you have lower bone density than the average for your age.

Sharon said: “A DEXA scan was used to diagnose me with osteopenia but I had to travel quite a way for it and at the time I wasn’t able to drive so it was very difficult.

“I have recently been having issues with hip pain and I am really worried about my bone health and strength, so I asked to be referred for another scan to see how things were progressing.”

Within two weeks, Sharon received an appointment for a DEXA scan at Salford Royal.

“The speed of the referral was unprecedented,” she said. “The location was fabulous as it’s much closer to home for me, so it was much easier for travelling.

“The scan itself is quick, it isn’t intrusive at all and I was able to stay fully clothed and see the images straight away, which was fascinating.”

Christine Smyth, 73, from Eccles, Saford, and has been receiving treatment for brittle bone disease at Salford Royal for around 10 years. She has been given an injection every six months to manage her condition.

She said: “I have had broken bones five times over the years, including in my arm, feet and back; it can be very painful.

“I have recently had to change treatment but needed a DEXA scan to check my bone density and structure before I started something new.

“The scan didn’t take long at all, it’s great. I am hoping there’s no more breaks in my bones but it’s great that I can have this scan to keep monitoring my condition; it’s a great help to me.”

The brand new scanner that was delivered to Ellesmere Port Hospital last year gave patients a local facility for the first time. Previously they had to travel at least 17 miles away to get a scan.

Nationally, six new scanners are to be rolled out to expand capacity, alongside 14 replacement machines to modernise outdated equipment. It builds on the first wave of 13 scanners announced last year, 10 of which are already in use and helping patients start treatment sooner.

Osteoporosis affects millions of people in the UK. Women are at far greater risk, especially after the menopause. Fractures linked to weak bones can lead to loss of independence, long hospital stays and reduced quality of life. Earlier diagnosis means patients can begin medication and make lifestyle changes to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of breaks.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, the expansion marks a significant step forward in tackling a condition that too often goes undiagnosed until a serious fracture occurs.