Surgeries may be delayed due to a major issue affecting the NHS.
Hospitals have been told to direct supplies to trauma and urgent care (Image: Getty)
Patients waiting for hip and knee replacements and other planned surgeries may face delays due to a shortage of medical cement. The NHS has ordered hospitals to divert supplies to trauma and urgent care amid a global supply issue affecting its main provider of bone cement.
The cement is used to anchor artificial joints and fill the space between the new joint and the patient’s bone. Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Arthritis UK, said the news was “a crushing blow for those individuals who have finally made it to the front of the orthopaedic surgery queue after a long time waiting”.
She added: “We trust the Department of Health and Social Care will work hard to address the supply issues given the impact on those waiting in pain whose lives are left on hold.
“Aside from the personal toll on people with arthritis, the stakes are high for Government who have an uphill challenge to bring down waiting lists to meet ambitious targets.
“As this news breaks, we urge hospitals to communicate quickly with those affected to avoid additional worry and uncertainty.
“We are also offering support to anyone concerned about the impact of these delays through our free helpline and online community, where they can access information and advice while they wait for the surgery they so desperately need.”
It comes after Heraeus Medical, the main supplier of bone cement for the NHS, reported a packaging fault affecting its bone cement products.
The issue has temporarily halted production at its main site and will impact product availability for at least two months.
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It is understood the NHS has supply for the next two weeks and officials have estimated there could be a gap of six to eight weeks’ supply.
Tens of thousands of patients are given hip or knee replacements in England each year.
An NHS England spokesperson said: “Following a global supply issue, the NHS is issuing immediate guidance to hospitals
“Any stock already in hospitals is unaffected, and the NHS is working closely with Government and leading professional bodies to ensure safe and effective care can be provided while supply is resolved, and to reduce delays for patients requiring less urgent care as far as possible.”
