The Outpatients’ team at St Mary’s Hospital proudly presented a cheque for £500 to the National Osteoporosis Society on the 18th November.

The money was raised by NHS staff in aid of World Osteoporosis Day which was 20th October 2009. The Outpatients Department went 'Orange for Osteoporosis', and was decorated with orange balloons and flowers and not forgetting the life size skeleton hanging up in the department which also proudly displayed the colours of the campaign.  Staff organised a raffle for the day which was generously supported by local businesses who donated the prizes.

Sally Cleary, Sister Outpatients said, “Osteoporosis is something that I am really passionate about, having worked in a fracture clinic for part of my career, I think it is so important for people to be aware of the risks of osteoporosis and be able to find the right help and treatment for their condition. I would really like to thank everyone who donated something to us for World Osteoporosis Day and helped us raise awareness of this important issue.”

'Go orange for Osteoporosis' is a national campaign run by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and aims to raise awareness of osteoporosis and encourage more people to be screened for the disease.

Osteoporosis-related fractures are a major cause of suffering and disability in the older generation and the long term effects can result in a loss of mobility. In the UK around 200,000 people every year have an osteoporotic fracture, most commonly in the hips, wrist and spine.

Staff at St Mary’s Hospital wanted to raise awareness of the screening on offer for anyone with osteoporosis following a fracture, specifically those in high risk groups such as the elderly and women going through the menopause.

The £500 raised was presented to the treasurer of the Island Osteoporosis Group.