UK first as Eliza gets benefit of new treatment
A 97-YEAR-OLD woman who lives in a Viewpark care home has become the first person in the UK to benefit from a new treatment for osteoporosis.
Eliza Knox, who is based at Rosepark Care home, is being treated by NHS Lanarkshire with the new medication after the health board became the first in the UK to offer it.
The Lanarkshire Intravenous Bisphosphonate Service will transform the way this medication is delivered to the people who need it most.
Bisphosphonates are types of drugs that make bones stronger, prevent breaks and relieve bone pain — and they are normally taken by mouth as tablets but they are often unsuitable for the most frail patients.
Dr Eamonn Brankin, clinical director of primary care at north west unit, NHS Lanarkshire, explained: "Up until now if someone with osteoporosis required bisphosphonates they would have been prescribed a tablet to be taken once a week.
"Patients are required to remain upright for a couple of hours after taking the tablet, unfortunately many frail elderly people who require bisphosphonates are unable to do this."
Now as part of the treatment a nurse from the Lanarkshire Intravenous Bisphosphonate Service will visit patients in the wards and in residential or nursing homes to administer the drug as a once yearly intravenous infusion.
Dr Brankin added: "It only takes 15 minutes and compliance is 100 per cent. We are delighted NHS Lanarkshire is able to offer this valuable service which will make a huge difference to the lives of many people across Lanarkshire."
Full story in September 9 in Times & Speaker
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bellshill
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
