Brookfield Chair In Fracture Prevention Funds New Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) Program In Corner Brook, NL

Beginning in January 2024, Western Memorial Hospital in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador saw the implementation of a BreakFree Fracture Liaison Service (FLS). The FLS program is based on the research and recommendations of Osteoporosis Canada and is the first of its kind to be implemented in Newfoundland.  This quality improvement program focuses on secondary fracture prevention by identifying patients at risk for future fracture and initiating appropriate evaluation, risk assessment, education, and therapeutic intervention.

The collaboration and work between both The Brookfield Chair and Osteoporosis Canada is part of a major initiative to foster and seed fund new FLS programs across Canada.  Since the start of the partnership between both groups, the result has seen the fostering of new FLS sites in provinces previously without an FLS program, despite years of substantial advocacy and efforts.

The BreakFree FLS together with Osteoporosis Canada has now funded new programs in four provinces with Corner Brook being the most recent location to implement the FLS program.

Through their follow-up with orthopedic services at Western Memorial Regional Hospital, eligible patients will benefit from an assessment by an FLS nurse coordinator working directly with the FLS Medical Leads and Support.

The FLS nurse coordinator is Aimee Preston who is working directly with the FLS Medical Leads, Dr. Alison Howley (Geriatrician) and Dr Amy Pieroway (Geriatrician) and is supported by FLS champions Dr. Brendon Lewis (Orthopedic Surgeon), Dr Milton Parai (Orthopedic Surgeon), and the entire orthopedic team.

The new Western NL BreakFree FLS has been implemented through the generous financial support of the Brookfield Chair in Fracture Prevention.

In the FLS, Leanne identifies patients over 50 years of age presenting with fragility fractures of hip, wrist, shoulder, or pelvis. Leanne completes a detailed assessment, organizes appropriate investigations to determine fracture risk, identifies appropriate osteoporosis medications and connects to community partners as required. 

The Fredericton BreakFree FLS is listed on Osteoporosis Canada’s FLS Registry.

The BreakFree FLS aligns with Horizon Health Network’s action priorities of access to services and improving the patient experience, by ensuring older adults with osteoporosis get the individualized support they need to decrease their risk of future fractures.  Rachel Craig, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Surgical Program at Horizon Health Network played a key role in facilitating the partnership and in helping to bring FLS to Fredericton, NB. 

The BreakFree FLS will reduce the care gap in osteoporosis, helping people reduce their risk of repeat fractures.