WellSouth Fracture Liaison Team garners international recognition

WellSouth’s Fracture Liaison Service has achieved international recognition for quality management of fragility fractures, falls risk, and osteoporosis.

Just a year since its launch, FLS has attained Bronze status on the International Osteoporosis Foundation’s ‘Capture the Facture’ programme achieving high standards for good process, comprehensive coverage, and patient management.

WellSouth FLS is the only such service in Aotearoa/New Zealand based in primary care – there are 14 other services across the country based in secondary services - and aspires to champion the integration of comprehensive fragility fracture care and osteoporosis management across tertiary, secondary and primary sectors.

Not resting on its laurels, WellSouth Fracture Liaison Lead and Queenstown GP Dr Richard Macharg says the service has already actioned further improvements including extending Te Whatu Ora-funded Bone Density scans for fragility fracture patients, participating in an international quality initiative ANZ Fragility Fracture Registry, and promoting more and better engagement with primary and secondary care sectors.

“We have an outstanding falls prevention and fracture liaison team in place and we’ve made big advances quickly – and more is planned: We are working to bring fully subsidised IV treatment for osteoporosis, improved vertebral fracture case finding and continuing to build co-operation throughout the health system in the care of fragility fracture patients.

“We expect to reach the top step of the Capture the Fracture podium at our next attempt!

Want to know more?

Southern FLS welcomes all input and help to reach this goal. 

More information or email the fracture liaison team.