"A shortage in medical cement is likely to lead to delays in some patients getting joint surgery, NHS bosses say. It comes after Heraeus Medical, the main supplier of bone cement to the health service, has had to temporarily halt production at its main site for two months. The German firm supplies about three-quarters of the bone cement needed in the NHS. The product is used in about 1,000 operations a week, mostly in knee replacements, but also in some hip and shoulder replacements."
"This is a crushing blow for those individuals who have finally made it to the front of the orthopaedic surgery queue after a long time waiting. We urge hospitals to communicate quickly with those affected to avoid additional worry and uncertainty. 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."
Heraeus Medical has temporarily halted production at its main site for two months after a critical machine failure during production upgrades, creating a shortage of bone cement. The company supplies about three-quarters of the NHS's bone cement, which is used in roughly 1,000 operations each week, mainly knee replacements and some hip and shoulder procedures. Hospitals are being instructed to prioritise emergency trauma patients, such as older people with falls and broken bones, ahead of elective joint procedures. About 850,000 patients in England are awaiting joint treatment, and hospitals currently hold roughly two weeks' supply. NHS England is seeking extra supply from four other manufacturers and urging hospitals to focus on those in most pain or with complex conditions. Arthritis UK called for quick communication to affected patients and warned of increased pressure on waiting-list targets.
Read at www.bbc.com
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