A Merseyside hospital declared a critical incident after running out of surgical instruments.
Arrowe Park Hospital was forced to pause elective surgeries last week due to a technical issue with the machinery used to sterilise its surgical equipment.
Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust informed staff of the ongoing situation in an email sent out on Wednesday (October 22).
In efforts to reduce patient disruption, the Trust has sourced extra surgical instruments and is liaising with local and regional partners to secure more supplies.
A 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.”