You may be aware from recent media reports that the NHS is currently experiencing a shortage of bone cement due to a disruption in the national supply chain. This is a global issue.
As bone cement is used by our surgical teams to secure artificial joints to existing bone, this shortage may affect some planned operations in the coming weeks. The supplies we currently have must be prioritised for urgent procedures, such as surgery for patients with a broken hip.
If your operation needs to be postponed, our teams will contact you directly. If you do not hear from us, please attend for your procedure as arranged. There is no need to telephone the hospital for an update.
We may also contact some patients at short notice to offer an earlier date where their planned surgery does not require bone cement.
We understand that this situation may cause concern and we are very sorry for any uncertainty it creates. Should your operation need to be rescheduled, it will be rearranged as quickly as possible and treated as a priority.
Please be reassured that this issue does not affect any other services. We will share further updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your support and understanding.