With the generous help of our supporters, we have funded the establishment of a paediatric bone densitometry service – the first of its kind in Ireland. This service is designed to meet the unique needs of children, combining a calming sensory environment with up to date technology. By enabling scans to occur in a child-friendly environment, it helps to reduce the stress associated with scan attendance. 

Thanks to donations to Children’s Health Foundation, children under the age of six will be able to access bone density scans in a paediatric environment for the first time, instead of referrals to adult centres.

Other benefits include reductions in additional visits for children, due to the same day scheduling of scans.

Vertebral scanning, made possible by the bone density system, reduces the need for x-rays. This minimises the radiation dose to the child. Bone health is fundamentally linked to long term health outcomes in many childhood conditions.

Bone densitometry identifies children with extremes of bone density, to enable appropriate intervention and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with fractures and immobilisation. This service will support research initiatives that will further the knowledge of bone health in Irish children and adolescents.