National Clinical Network

New Zealand has established a de facto highly effective National Clinical Network for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) through the collaborative efforts of Osteoporosis New Zealand and the Accident Compensation Corporation. This network, integral to the national Live Stronger for Longer Programme, includes the Fracture Liaison Network New Zealand and the FLS Lead Clinicians Group, which regularly meet to share best practices and engage in professional development.

A national quality improvement programme, including a National Clinical Network and world-class Fracture Liaison Services, is delivering best practice fragility fracture care and prevention across New Zealand.

Given the formal establishment of National Clinical Networks for stroke, radiology, renal, and trauma services by Health NZ-Te Whatu Ora, there is a strong case for officially recognising and valuing this FLS network as one of the National Clinical Networks.

This network should also be expanded to include Orthogeriatric Service Lead Clinicians and leaders from the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry, and General Practitioners, especially as primary fracture prevention strategies are developed. An expanded network would ensure uniform excellence in hip fracture care and both secondary and primary fracture prevention, fostering collaboration and professional growth.

Moreover, there is potential for cross-network collaboration, where leaders from the stroke, radiology, renal, and trauma networks and our National Clinical Network for Falls and Fragility Fractures could share quality improvement strategies, such as the national Clinical Standards for FLS and the Australian and New Zealand Fragility Fracture Registry developed by our network. This exchange of ideas could drive innovation and enhance care across all specialties.

Annual gatherings such as Fracture Fest provide a valuable platform for these professionals to come together, reinforcing the progress made and identifying future priorities. Recognising and supporting this network officially would strengthen the foundations of New Zealand’s fragility fracture prevention and osteoporosis management strategies, ensuring sustainable and effective healthcare delivery for older adults.

Incorporating this network into New Zealand’s formal National Clinical Networks will elevate osteoporosis care and facilitate shared advancements across healthcare, crucial for maintaining a robust system as our population ages.