NHS Faces Joint Surgery Delays Amid Bone Cement Shortage
Published 18 February 2026
Highlights
- A shortage of bone cement from Heraeus Medical is causing delays in NHS joint surgeries, potentially affecting thousands of patients.
- The supply issue is expected to last up to two months, with hospitals prioritizing trauma and urgent care cases.
- NHS England is working with other suppliers to mitigate the impact and maintain essential services.
- Patients are advised to assume their appointments will proceed unless notified otherwise, despite the global supply chain disruption.
- Advocacy groups urge swift communication to minimize patient anxiety and stress over postponed surgeries.
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Rewritten Article
NHS Faces Joint Surgery Delays Amid Bone Cement Shortage
The NHS is grappling with significant delays in joint surgeries due to a critical shortage of bone cement, a key component in procedures such as hip and knee replacements. This disruption stems from a production halt at Heraeus Medical, the primary supplier of bone cement to the NHS, following a machine failure at its main facility in Germany. The shortage is anticipated to affect supply for up to two months, impacting thousands of patients awaiting surgery.
Prioritizing Urgent Care
With the NHS relying heavily on Heraeus Medical, which provides approximately 75% of its bone cement, hospitals have been instructed to prioritize trauma and urgent care cases. This includes older patients with fractures and those in severe pain. NHS England has issued guidance to ensure that emergency procedures continue safely and to support the prioritization of waiting lists based on patient needs.
Efforts to Mitigate Impact
In response to the shortage, NHS England is collaborating with four alternative manufacturers to bolster supplies. Hospitals currently have a two-week reserve of bone cement, and efforts are underway to secure additional stock. Patients are encouraged to attend scheduled appointments unless informed otherwise, as the NHS strives to minimize disruptions.
Patient Advocacy and Response
Advocacy groups, including Arthritis UK, have expressed concern over the impact on patients who have endured long waits for surgery. Deborah Alsina, CEO of Arthritis UK, described the situation as a "crushing blow" for those at the front of the orthopaedic queue. The organization is urging hospitals to communicate promptly with affected individuals to alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.
Global Supply Chain Challenges
The bone cement shortage is part of a broader global supply chain disruption affecting medical supplies. An NHS spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining safe and effective care while addressing the supply issue. The British Orthopaedic Association is working closely with NHS leaders to explore alternative surgical methods that do not require bone cement.
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Scenario Analysis
The ongoing bone cement shortage poses significant challenges for the NHS, with potential implications for patient care and waiting times. If alternative suppliers can increase production, the impact on surgeries may be mitigated. However, prolonged delays could exacerbate existing waiting list pressures, complicating the NHS's efforts to meet ambitious targets for reducing wait times.
Politically, the situation underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains and may prompt calls for increased domestic production of critical medical supplies. Experts suggest that the NHS and government must collaborate closely to ensure resilience against future disruptions, safeguarding patient care and maintaining public trust in the healthcare system.
The NHS is grappling with significant delays in joint surgeries due to a critical shortage of bone cement, a key component in procedures such as hip and knee replacements. This disruption stems from a production halt at Heraeus Medical, the primary supplier of bone cement to the NHS, following a machine failure at its main facility in Germany. The shortage is anticipated to affect supply for up to two months, impacting thousands of patients awaiting surgery.
Prioritizing Urgent Care
With the NHS relying heavily on Heraeus Medical, which provides approximately 75% of its bone cement, hospitals have been instructed to prioritize trauma and urgent care cases. This includes older patients with fractures and those in severe pain. NHS England has issued guidance to ensure that emergency procedures continue safely and to support the prioritization of waiting lists based on patient needs.
Efforts to Mitigate Impact
In response to the shortage, NHS England is collaborating with four alternative manufacturers to bolster supplies. Hospitals currently have a two-week reserve of bone cement, and efforts are underway to secure additional stock. Patients are encouraged to attend scheduled appointments unless informed otherwise, as the NHS strives to minimize disruptions.
Patient Advocacy and Response
Advocacy groups, including Arthritis UK, have expressed concern over the impact on patients who have endured long waits for surgery. Deborah Alsina, CEO of Arthritis UK, described the situation as a "crushing blow" for those at the front of the orthopaedic queue. The organization is urging hospitals to communicate promptly with affected individuals to alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.
Global Supply Chain Challenges
The bone cement shortage is part of a broader global supply chain disruption affecting medical supplies. An NHS spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining safe and effective care while addressing the supply issue. The British Orthopaedic Association is working closely with NHS leaders to explore alternative surgical methods that do not require bone cement.
What this might mean
The ongoing bone cement shortage poses significant challenges for the NHS, with potential implications for patient care and waiting times. If alternative suppliers can increase production, the impact on surgeries may be mitigated. However, prolonged delays could exacerbate existing waiting list pressures, complicating the NHS's efforts to meet ambitious targets for reducing wait times.
Politically, the situation underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains and may prompt calls for increased domestic production of critical medical supplies. Experts suggest that the NHS and government must collaborate closely to ensure resilience against future disruptions, safeguarding patient care and maintaining public trust in the healthcare system.
