A vital bone density scanning service which would identify cases of osteoporosis has been saved after approval was given to recruit nine radiographers to clear a 20-year waiting list.
The DXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanning unit at Merlin Park Hospital was due to be axed because of a shortage of staff which worsened in the recession.
John Carey, a specialist in osteoporosis, has been lobbying for the appointment of radiographers for the service, pointing out that one in three men and one in five women die within a year of suffering a hip fracture.
Ireland has one of the highest incidences of osteoporosis and hip fracture in the world – almost double many other countries and well above the UK and EU norms.
The cost of treating osteoporosis-related fractures is close to €1 billion annually.
DXA scanners, which provide bone X-rays and measure the strength of bones, are critical to the diagnosis of osteoporosis and in determining how to treat fractures.
Minister for State at the Department of Health Helen McEntee last week confirmed to the Dáil that one radiographer has already begun work, five more have been offered posts and three more positions have been advertised.
Until then, the Saolta Hospital Group are availing of private facilities, hiring agency staff and approving overtime to ensure the service is maintained.
Fine Gael Deputy Hildegarde Naughton said these nine full-time positions will go some way in alleviating the waiting lists for people in need of scans.
“I am told there is a 20 year waiting list, as it stands, for a DEXA scan in Merlin Park University Hospital. No referral has been processed in three years owing to a lack of staff,” she stated.
“The DXA scanner situated at Merlin Park is the only scanner not privately operated in the region. DXA is cheap, very safe and very cost-effective. Identifying people early helps them reduce their risk of fracture.
“After questioning the Minister of State at the Department of Health on the threatened closure of the DXA scanning unit at Merlin Park Hospital due to an inability to staff the unit, I am assured there will be a continuity of service until such time as all the additional radiographers are in post.”
Before 2008, the hospital operated two DXA scanners, five days a week, but more recently just one machine was operating for two half-days, creating a 20-year waiting list for bone scans, not deemed to be a priority.
Approval was given in 2013 for more staff, but the posts were not filled.
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