A situation requiring urgent attention has been announced at a National Health Service (NHS) hospital due to an ongoing issue. Arrowe Park Hospital, which is part of Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, had to halt elective procedures last week to address the problem. The trust has responded by purchasing new instruments and borrowing equipment from nearby NHS facilities.
An internal communication reviewed by the Liverpool Echo, a partner of The Mirror, disclosed that the trust is reaching out to other NHS trusts in the area for assistance in managing the disruption. Patients were redirected to Aintree Hospital and the Countess of Chester Hospital as a contingency measure.
A message circulated to staff at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust emphasized the ongoing challenge in the Sterile Service Department, affecting the availability of surgical instruments. Patient safety remains paramount, leading to the temporary suspension of elective activities last week for investigation purposes. Subsequently, a critical incident was declared, prompting the implementation of command and control protocols.
To minimize inconvenience to patients, the hospital has acquired additional surgical instruments and is collaborating with regional partners to secure more supplies. The incident has sparked apprehension among patients and their families, with one individual expressing concern over the delayed surgeries due to equipment safety issues.
A spokesperson from Wirral University Teaching Hospital stated that a Critical Incident was declared due to unresolved issues in the Sterile Services Department affecting surgical instruments. Patient safety remains the top priority, leading to the suspension of elective activities. The trust is implementing robust strategies to manage the situation and seeking support from other trusts to mitigate the impact on patients.
