The critical incident was declared at the Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside with elective procedures being paused – an urgent email revealed the trust is seeking aid from other NHS trusts
A critical incident has been declared at an NHS hospital following an “ongoing issue.”
Arrowe Park Hospital, part of Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, was forced to pause elective procedures last week as the problem was investigated. The trust has since taken action, including buying new instruments and borrowing equipment from neighbouring NHS organisations.
An internal email, seen by The Mirror affiliate the Liverpool Echo, revealed the trust is also seeking aid from other NHS trusts across the region to help manage the disruption. It is understood patients were diverted to Aintree Hospital and the Countess of Chester Hospital.
The message sent to staff at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust this afternoon said: “Staff are advised there has been an ongoing issue in the Sterile Service Department in recent days affecting surgical instruments.
“Patient safety is always our top priority and we took the difficult decision to pause elective activity last week while the issue was being looked into.
“Yesterday afternoon, a critical incident was declared at the trust and we have command and control structures in place to manage this incident.”
In an effort to reduce disruption to patients, the hospital has brought in additional surgical instruments and continues to work with regional partners to secure further supplies.
The incident has raised concerns among patients and their family members. One unnamed patient told the Echo: “It’s frightening to think surgeries are being delayed because the hospital doesn’t have safe, sterile equipment. I’m worried not just for my son, but for other patients who might not have anyone to speak up for them.”
A Wirral University Teaching Hospital spokesperson said: “Due to an issue in our Sterile Services Department affecting surgical instruments in recent days which unfortunately has not been resolved, the Trust has taken the decision to declare a Critical Incident.
“Patient safety is always our top priority and we have unfortunately had to take the decision to pause elective activity. We have robust plans in place to manage the incident and we are also seeking support from other Trusts to minimise the impact on patients at this time.”