NHS Supply Chain has released the statement below on the supply issues with Heraeus Medical bone cement products.
- We have been informed by our supplier, Heraeus Medical, of a packaging fault affecting their bone cement products. This issue has temporarily halted production at their main site and will impact product availability for at least two months.
- We have established an incident team and are working closely with Heraeus Medical.
- We are assessing the potential supply impact and will provide further updates as more information becomes available
- We are coordinating with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to manage the situation nationally. As part of this national response, National Clinical Directors in these areas are involved. Further national guidance will be shared via NHS England.
- NHS Supply Chain is engaging with the impacted supplier Heraeus Medical and alternative suppliers to identify potential support options. Trusts are asked not to contact suppliers directly at this stage, as this is being coordinated nationally.
- Bone Cement is distributed via temperature controlled cold chain logistics, which is required to ensure the stability of the product. NHS Supply Chain is not commissioned to provide cold chain services so we cannot bring stock into our warehouse network or apply conventional demand management.
- We are working closely with Heraeus and alternative suppliers to secure available stock. Suppliers with stock are being asked to apply demand management measures to support the national stock position. Use will be prioritised in line with NHS England pathway guidance, with a particular emphasis on prioritising trauma care.
- We will share further updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Date: 18 February