In March 2024, the Eastern-Urban Zone of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services established the BreakFree Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital funded by the Brookfield Chair in Fracture Prevention.
The FLS program, began assessments in May 2024 based on Osteoporosis Canada’s evidence-based research and recommendations and together with the Brookfield Chair in Fracture Prevention have collaborated to implement the second of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador.
St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital serves as the primary facility for individuals sustaining fragility hip fractures in the province, attending to approximately 330 patients annually. This evidence highlights the importance of secondary fracture prevention, employing an FLS model grounded in a comprehensive 3i approach: identifying patients predisposed to future fractures, conducting osteoporosis risk assessments/ investigations, and initiating tailored treatment regimens on an individualized basis. The FLS program’s role also includes an education piece that addresses optimal nutrition for bone health and strategies for fall prevention.
The BreakFree FLS program aligns with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s overarching initiative of developing and implementing interventions that will enable and empower seniors to transition seamlessly through age and health-related changes with dignity and autonomy, as outlined in the Health Accord for Newfoundland and Labrador (February 2022) and the Senior Friendly Program at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital.
Photo (left to right): Dr. Nick Smith, Dr. Gillian Morrison, Dr. Allison Pridham, Kelly Dwyer, Tanya Whiffen, Tina Parrill
