A DXA bone density scan uses low dose X-rays to see how dense (or strong) bones are. Bone density scans are often used to diagnose or assess the risk of osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break. Having this scanner in Basingstoke would significantly improve bone health care for many local patients who are currently inadequately managed including the frail elderly, patients at risk of falls, patients who have sustained fragility fractures and women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors.

A DXA scanning service would support a fracture liaison service across all three Hampshire Hospitals; the Trust is currently one of only two in South Central England who do not have such a service.