NHS secures bone cement rescue package so surgery can resume
BBC World
February 25, 2026
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The NHS has successfully secured an alternative supply of bone cement, allowing joint surgeries to resume after a critical shortage disrupted medical operations across the UK. Earlier this month, hospitals were forced to postpone treatments such as knee and hip replacements due to a production halt at Heraeus Medical, the NHS's primary supplier. With only two weeks' worth of stock left, the health service prioritized emergency cases and complex procedures, leaving thousands of patients on waiting lists with delayed care.
The shortage stemmed from a machine failure during Heraeus's production process升级 in Germany, resulting in a supply disruption expected to last two months. Bone cement is essential for over 1,000 operations weekly, including joint replacements and treatments for elderly patients recovering from falls or broken hips. The delay threatened the treatment of 850,000 patients in England waiting for planned joint surgeries—a backlog larger than any other medical specialty.
To address the crisis, NHS England negotiated an urgent supply agreement with Dutch manufacturer Zimmer Biomet, securing enough bone cement for 10 to 12 weeks. Additionally, Johnson and Johnson agreed to increase deliveries, ensuring hospitals across the UK—including those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—would also receive additional supplies.
This development is a significant victory for patient care, as it prevents further delays and allows the NHS to focus on reducing waiting lists. Experts have confirmed that the alternative bone cement meets safety and efficacy standards, reassuring
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026