Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman has launched a campaign to raise awareness of osteoporosis among local people and press for better medical services for patients.

The fragile bone disease is a major health concern that affects millions of people, and Ms Goodman is keen to ensure that high-quality treatment is available in the County Durham area.

She has written to local NHS bosses to ask about the waiting time for a bone density (DXA) scan and to see what routine scanning programmes are in operation.

Last year, the Government announced a capital grant of £17m in 2006-7 and 2007-8 for the purchase of DXA scanners.

She has also inquired whether a fully integrated falls and osteoporosis service is now in place, as per Government policy.

She said: "One in two women and one in five men will suffer a fracture after the age of 50. Therefore, based on average figures, up to 8,250 women over 50 in my Bishop Auckland constituency will suffer from a fracture - and 21 people each year will die as a result of an osteoporotic hip fracture."

She added: "Funding for the local NHS has been increasing significantly for a number of years, which is why we see much shorter waiting times and fewer deaths from heart disease and cancer.

"But I want to ensure that local people have the best support possible should they have to face osteoporosis."