Pictured are, left to right: Hilary Judd, project manager for the West Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group, Edith Finbow, Rebecca Gear and Janet Ritchie. Lying down is Jill Fysh.

Members of the King’s Lynn and District Osteoporosis Group have spoken of their joy that a mobile DXA scanner is now operating in West Norfolk.

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The scan involves a painless test to measure bone density, which will help to diagnose if you have osteoporosis.

The scan can also determine the likelihood of a person developing osteoporosis in the future, giving them the chance to seek advice and/or treatment at an early stage.

Jill Fysh, chairman of King’s Lynn and District Osteoporosis Group, said: “It is wonderful for the area. When you have fractures you can’t travel.

“It is very difficult. You feel every bump of the road.

“We have been campaigning for a DXA scanner for 15 years since the group started and at last we have got it. Everybody needs to be aware. We need to use it.”

Edith Finbow, secretary of the group, added: “We can hardly believe it is here now. It will make a huge difference.”

Care UK is providing the mobile DXA scanning service to high risk groups. The mobile unit is managed by Care UK’s national imaging lead Janet Ritchie and attended by specialist nurse Rebecca Gear. It is being funded by the NHS.

Care UK has worked closely with local GPs, NHS Norfolk and Waveney and the local Osteoporosis Society to launch the service.

Sue Crossman, interim chief executive of the West Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This service is giving many more patients the opportunity to have local access to an early diagnostic test.

“Treatment can then be recommended as appropriate, potentially reducing the number of people with advanced osteoporosis and fractures in later life.”

The mobile scanning unit will operate in Docking, Swaffham and King’s Lynn.

Previously, DXA scanning was only offered in Norwich and in Peterborough.

The service operates on a rotational basis every month and patients require a referral from their GP.

If you feel you may have or be at risk of developing osteoporosis, speak to your GP in the first instance and they will advise if you should be referred for a scan.

The osteoporosis group meets on the fourth Thursday of every month (except December and August) in the County Court Hall behind the methodist church on London Road.

For further information, call Jill Fysh on 01553 772325.