Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Arrowe Park Declares Critical Incident Over Sterile Instrument Shortage

A failure in the sterile services unit curtailed safe surgical instruments, prompting emergency command measures.

Overview

  • Elective procedures at Arrowe Park remain paused as the trust addresses the shortage to protect patient safety.
  • Patients are being redirected to Aintree Hospital and the Countess of Chester Hospital to maintain access to care.
  • The trust has activated command-and-control arrangements, purchased additional surgical sets, and borrowed equipment from neighbouring NHS organisations.
  • Regional support has been requested through mutual aid while teams work to stabilise sterile processing capacity.
  • Families have voiced concern over delays to surgery, and a separate CQC report published this week again found most services require improvement following spring inspections.