Public announcements

Information about issues happening at our hospitals that may affect the care that we deliver to our patients.

Following national guidance – and in line with hospitals across the rest of the country – we are assessing planned procedures that use medical bone cement. 

This is part of the NHS’s immediate guidance to hospitals because of a global supply issue for bone cement. It helps us make sure trauma and urgent care can safely continue.

We will contact the small number of patients who are affected by the shortage.  If we don't contact you, please attend your appointment as planned.

The NHS is working closely with government and leading professional bodies to ensure safe and effective care can be provided while the supply problems are resolved and to reduce delays for patients who need less urgent care as far as possible.

We are constantly reviewing the situation and will update this page with more information when we have it.

Global bone cement shortage – updated

What has happened?

Heraeus Medical, a manufacturer of bone cement used in medical procedures such as emergency surgery and routine hip and knee replacements experienced a fault at their factory.

As a result, there will be an ongoing global supply disruption for the next few weeks.

Why can't we use an alternative?

For some procedures, alternative products are available from other suppliers, but they will not be able to produce enough stock to cover everything Heraeus Medical would usually provide.

What does this mean for appointments?

Due to the global supply disruption, NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care and the National Orthopaedic Society have asked NHS Trusts to prioritise providing procedures to patients with the most urgent clinical need to ensure there is enough supply.

This may mean that some patients with less clinically urgent needs have their care postponed, but medical teams will do their best to keep disruption to a minimum.

How will I know if my appointment is affected?

We will contact you directly if your appointment is postponed. If you do not hear from us, please attend all your scheduled appointments as normal.