Macclesfield's Spire Regency Hospital is launching a one-stop bone health check package.

Spire Regency Hospital aims to help patients pre-empt any bone health issues with a new preventative package, where patients can undergo a bone density DEXA scan before discussing their results in a thorough 30-minute private GP appointment at the hospital.

Following the DEXA scan, any concerns can be discussed with one of the hospital's expert private GPs, who can prescribe medication if necessary, or make a rapid referral to a Consultant Rheumatologist at the hospital for more specialist treatment as soon as possible.

Sustaining a fracture can causes mobility issues, result in considerable pain and even lead to premature mortality, making it is crucial that people are more aware of their bone health.

To promote the importance of maintaining bone health checks, Spire Regency Hospital will be offering continuity of care with discounted follow up appointments to ensure that bone health is always considered.

Demographics that should be particularly mindful about the osteoporosis risk are women aged 50 and over, those who have a family history of osteoporosis, people with hyperthyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis, people of low body weight and those taking steroids.

Certain lifestyle factors also play a role in increasing somebody's likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis, including smoking heavily, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and drinking alcohol excessively.

Given the scarcity of DEXA scanners in the Greater Manchester region, Spire Regency Hospital is proud to be one of very few sites offering this diagnostic service in the Cheshire and Manchester area. Having invested in the DEXA scanner in 2023, the hospital has already surpassed 8,000 scans.

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Commenting on her recent experience with the Radiology team during her DEXA scan, one patient Wendy Brierley commented, "Very friendly and professional. It was a quick, pain free scan."

Andrew Black, lead DEXA Radiographer at Spire Regency Hospital, said: "This innovative Bone Health Check is a valuable addition to our services at Spire Regency Hospital, offering a comprehensive solution for assessing bone health and the possibility of osteoporosis, and is one of a limited number in the region."

Mike Sarson, Hospital Director, added: "At Spire Regency Hospital, we are pleased to be raising awareness about bone density, a vital component to leading a healthy lifestyle, but unfortunately one that doesn't receive the attention it deserves.

"We're proud to be one of the very few sites in Cheshire and Manchester with a DEXA scanner on site to help patients. In offering this bone health check package, we are not only helping those who have active concerns about their bone health, but also helping patients to pre-empt any potential issues, preventing something more serious that could have been avoidable.

"Our multidisciplinary team of a Radiographer, two GPs, and Consultant Rheumatologist will provide our patients with a comprehensive look into their bone density, reduce anxiety and help with a treatment plan when necessary.

"We are delighted to uphold Spire Healthcare's values of speed and ease of access; patients will receive their results on the same day and there is no need for a GP referral to access this service."