NHS hip and knee operations threatened by bone cement supply shortage | Health
A shortage of medical cement could lead to delays in hip and knee replacements and other previously planned surgeries for some patients, experts said.
The NHS’s main supplier of bone cement has a global supply problem.
As a result, hospitals were ordered to ensure supplies were diverted to trauma and emergency care.
Campaigners said the news was a “crushing blow” for patients awaiting surgery.
Bone cement is used to anchor artificial joints and fills the space between the new joint and the patient’s bone.
There are many different types of medical cement, and they can also be used in a number of different operations, including orthopedic and dental surgery.
The NHS is understood to have supply for the next two weeks and officials estimate there could be a six to eight week gap in supply.
It comes after Heraeus Medical, the main bone cement supplier to the NHS based in Germany, reported a packaging error affecting its bone cement products.
The issue has temporarily halted production at the main facility and will affect product availability for at least two months.
An NHS England spokesperson said: “Following a global supply issue, the NHS is issuing urgent guidance to hospitals to ensure trauma and urgent care can continue safely, ensuring alternative providers are used where possible and supporting the prioritization of orthopedic waiting lists according to patients’ needs in the coming weeks.
“Stocks already in hospitals have not been affected and the NHS is working closely with the government and leading professional bodies to ensure safe and effective care is provided while supply is cleared and to reduce delays as much as possible for patients requiring less urgent care.”
Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Arthritis UK, said: “This is a crushing blow for people who have finally reached the front of the orthopedic surgery queue after a long wait.
“Given the impact on those waiting in pain, whose lives have been put on hold, we trust that the Department of Health and Social Care will work hard to resolve supply issues.
“Aside from the personal toll on people with arthritis, the stakes are high for the government, which faces an uphill battle to reduce waiting lists to meet ambitious targets.
“As this news becomes available, we urge hospitals to communicate quickly with those affected to avoid further anxiety 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 desperately need.”
Tens of thousands of patients undergo hip or knee replacement surgery every year in the UK.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Unfortunately, many older people planning these surgeries over the next few months are likely to be told that their surgery has inevitably been postponed due to supply issues overseas.
“We sincerely hope that once bone cement stocks return to normal the NHS will be able to quickly re-plan their operations and in the meantime they will receive the advice and support they need to remain as pain-free and comfortable as possible.”
Rory Deighton, director of acute and community care, speaking on behalf of NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation, said: “Health leaders will do all they can to minimize the impact and direct available supplies to where they are needed most.
“They will also work to ensure that affected patients have the information and support they need ahead of their treatment.
“People should come forward for treatment as planned unless told otherwise out of confidence.”
