Community scanning service sees its 3,000th patient

Company news

Jul 21, 2014

A community-based bone-scanning service covering west Norfolk, which means people do not have to travel to Norwich or Peterborough, has just scanned its 3,000th patient.

The Community Diagnostics Service has been run in partnership with the local NHS for the past three years by independent sector health and social care provider, Care UK. A DEXA scanner, which scans and diagnoses bone conditions, notably osteoporosis, is available at three GP surgeries: St James Clinic in King’s Lynn, Bayfield Surgery in Docking and Plowright Surgery in Swaffham.

As part of the service, Rebecca Gear, osteoporosis specialist nurse practitioner with Care UK, provides support, advice and education to the public, patients and healthcare professionals about osteoporosis. Rebecca will be attending the King’s Lynn & District National Osteoporosis Society stand at the Sandringham Flower Show at the Royal Sandringham Park Estate on July 30, offering advice on the Community Diagnostic Service.

Rebecca said: “The service has proved extremely beneficial to local people since we launched it in October 2011. Previously, people would have had to travel to Norwich or Peterborough for a scan so this is much more convenient. As part of my role, I contact patients and provide education on their osteoporosis diagnosis, explain medications and run clinics.

“Working with the King’s Lynn & District National Osteoporosis Society has proved very useful and I am looking forward to joining them on July 30, when I hope to talk to as many visitors as possible.”