NURSING and midwifery students at Central Bedfordshire College have competed against each other to provide a professional osteoporosis risk assessment service to members of the public.
Teams competed for the prestigious prize of an air experience lesson in a Cessna light aircraft at Elstree aerodrome on the edge of London.
The total number of individuals screened during the event was 198, they were mainly females between the ages of 30 and 80 years of age, and results demonstrated a wide range of bone density data from individuals well above 100 per cent of expected density for their age to those with densities 40 per cent lower than expected for their age. Some 19 individuals whose results were within the below average category were advised to take their results to their medical practitioner for a follow up discussion.
Biology tutor at the college, Frank Walters, said: “This event proved to be a great success for all those taking part. The scanning machines each cost £10,000 and we are very grateful to the Osteoporosis Assessment Service Ltd of Middlesex who kindly donated equipment for the students to use on the day as well as some time of their support staff to assist us with the event”.
For further information about the Access courses at Central Bedfordshire College visit www.centralbeds.ac.uk or call 0845 355 2525.