Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, becoming the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The former prince, who became the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, stands accused of disclosing sensitive information to Epstein whilst holding the position of the UK’s trade envoy. Andrew was photographed slumped in the rear of a vehicle on Thursday evening as he departed Aylsham police station in Norfolk.

His brother, the King, said earlier that “the law must take its course” after expressing his “deepest concern” over the arrest, which came after millions of files were released by the US Department of Justice in relation to the Epstein scandal.

Thames Valley Police said he was released under investigation and searches at a property in Norfolk, Andrew’s home on the Sandringham Estate, had concluded.

Searches at his former address, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire, are ongoing.

Andrew was detained on his 66th birthday following allegations that he shared reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore with disgraced financier Epstein.

He has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

After serving for 22 years in the Royal Navy, he became the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment in 2001.

He stepped down in 2011 amid the furore over his friendship with paedophile Epstein.

Jack Shepherd, a web designer, was was jailed for six years over the Thames joyride death of his date, Charlotte Brown, and was expecting to walk free on parole

Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd’s hopes of an early release from jail have been dashed.

Parole board chiefs have rejected the shameless web designer’s latest bid for freedom. Shepherd was jailed for six years over the Thames joyride death of his date, Charlotte Brown, 24, and was expecting to walk free on parole.

But Charlotte’s grieving family raised concerns about the continuing threat Shepherd, 38, poses to young women. Her dad Graham confirmed on Thursday he had been informed that his release was back on hold.

The 62-year-old man said: “As Charlotte’s family we are happy Shepherd remains in jail. We’re glad our objections were listened to regarding the dangers of releasing him back onto the streets and hope he will remain behind bars for longer.”

READ MORE: Brute in ‘blind rage’ left welder unable to walk or see properly after Christmas party attackREAD MORE: Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd warned he will be ‘chased out’ of town if he returns

Charlotte was thrown from Shepherd’s boat when the self-styled Casanova crashed on the River Thames in 2015. Shepherd was freed in January last year after serving half his sentence but hauled back behind bars for breaching the terms of his licence.

The web designer allegedly “controlled” and assaulted a new girlfriend, breaching the terms of his release. It is believed this was considered by parole board bosses, who have turned down Shepherd’s latest application for release. It means he must wait up to six more months for another chance to plead his case.

Graham, a civil servant from Sidcup, Kent, had told The Sun “prison was the best place” for Shepherd. He told the publication: “He’s back where he belongs. I’ve always believed that Shepherd is a narcissist.

“He’s never shown remorse for his part in the death of my daughter. I think about her every day. The pain is never far away. I’ll never forgive him and still believe he poses a risk to females.”

READ MORE: Killer of mum whose body was never found set to be released from jail

The tech professional, who lived on a houseboat in Hammersmith, west London, tempted around ten girls into bed before his disaster date. He wooed Charlotte with a £150 dinner at The Shard then drank more champagne before a late-night ride in his poorly-maintained 14ft boat.

He was charged with manslaughter but fled to Georgia in 2018. After being convicted in his absence, he was later extradited to face justice. Prior to absconding, Shepherd had smashed a bottle over the head of a barman in Devon.

The Parole Board confirmed Shepherd’s application for release was refused via a “paper decision”. He now has 28 days in which to request an oral hearing before the decision becomes final.

Norton Town Council has thanked those residents aiming to improved where they live in their second annual awards.

The town council launched the scheme in late 2024 to recognise people and organisations who are based and work in Norton.

Mayor, Councillor Di Keal, said: “The town council wanted to recognise people in our town who support others and who ‘go the extra mile’ in their roles as charities or individuals.

“Norton is a unique place with many people contributing to our community on a daily basis who go unrecognised for the hard work they put in for others – the town council wants to acknowledge what they do and thank them.”

Two awards were presented at a ceremony at the Council Chamber, with winners receiving a unique plaque in recognition of their work.

Volunteers of the Year went to the Malton and Norton Tidy Group and was accepted on behalf of the group by stalwart supporter, Nick Fletcher, who said he was “absolutely delighted” to represent the group and was very pleased that the council had recognised their work keeping Norton looking clean and tidy.

Paying tribute to the group, which was founded in 2009, Cllr Keal said: “This award goes to a group that definitely makes a significant difference to Norton (& Malton) throughout the year – come rain or shine and sometimes in freezing cold, they are out and about with bin bags and litter pickers collecting discarded rubbish and debris and making the town look neat and tidy.

“They have recently broken their own records with an amazing – if quite appalling for the fact that it is discarding in the first place – 643 bags of litter in Malton and Norton in 2025!

“Not content with litter picking in the town centres the group also cover the roads approaching the towns meaning anyone driving into Norton (& Malton) isn’t greeted by rubbish strewn grass verges.

“Norton town council wants to recognise the amazing work this volunteers group does and thank them whole heartedly for all their efforts.”

The Awards also recognise a business or organisation that creates a shop window that contributes to making Norton look festive over the Christmas period by decorating their window. The 2025 winning window was created by Kayshia Skeet, who works at Derwent Lodge on Church Street, who put together a window based on the book and film Polar Express.

Cllr Keal said: “The town council refreshed our Christmas lights display again in 2025 and we are keen to encourage local businesses and organisations to join us each year and make the town look special for the festive season.

“We loved this display for its simplicity in telling a story – and the fact that it appeared to be made from recycled materials, with the Polar Express train created from discarded boxes.”

Cllr Keal thanked the winners and those who nominated them for the huge contribution they make to Norton through their volunteering and the organisations they work with: “As a community we should all be very grateful to you and I hope these awards will go some small way towards recognising your hard work and dedication to your organisations and the wider community of Norton”.

The Norton on Derwent Community Awards look set to become an annual event and the town council looks forward to even more nominations in 2026.

Pics shows: Cllr Di Keal presenting the Community Awards to 1) Kayshia Skeet with colleagues from Derwent Lodge & 2) Nick Fletcher from Malton and Norton Tidy Group

A hit Apple TV thriller led by an iconic Hollywood star is finally back for a second season

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Thriller enthusiasts can already pencil in their Friday evenings as the highly anticipated second series of one of the decade’s most gripping programmes has finally arrived.

Series two of The Last Thing He Told Me is unmissable viewing for Apple TV subscribers this week, launching today (Friday, 20th February).

Boasting an exceptional ensemble headed by Hollywood star Jennifer Garner, the acclaimed thriller draws from Laura Dave’s novel of the same title.

Garner plays Hannah Hall, a woman who launches a frantic hunt for her vanished husband whilst forging an unexpected connection with her stepdaughter, Bailey (portrayed by Angourie Rice).

Spoiler warning – the first series disclosed that Hannah’s husband Owen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) fled to safeguard his family after witnessing a crime perpetrated by a dangerous criminal organisation, reports the Mirror.

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READ MORE: ‘Super intense’ thriller that keeps you ‘hooked from the start’ is now streamingREAD MORE: Handmaid’s Tale star lands very different role in thriller based on ‘addictive’ novel

Owen, now going by his true identity Ethan, returns in series two alongside fresh and familiar faces as the family attempt everything possible to restore normality to their lives.

A synopsis states: “When Owen shows up after five years on the run, Hannah and her stepdaughter Bailey find themselves in a race to figure out how to reunite their family before the past catches up to them.”

Apple TV has announced that the series two line-up will additionally feature Augusto Aguilera, Josh Hamilton, Nick Hargrove, Michael Galante, John Noble, Michael Hyatt and Luke Kirby, with a guest spot from Judy Greer. Following an almost three-year hiatus since the first season concluded, the second season premiere is now available for streaming, with fresh episodes dropping every Friday through to 10th April.

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Whilst the inaugural season garnered somewhat divided opinions, a dedicated fanbase remains enthralled by the thriller and maintains it merits viewing.

“Loved the book and was very excited to see how the series would turn out,” an IMDb user said in a 10/10 review.

“Watching the trailer made me even more excited to watch it! The series did not disappoint me once. Great cast, great writers, great storyline, great directors and lovely locations.

“It was also so amazing to see these characters that I had fallen in love with whilst reading the book come to life on screen.”

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

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Another viewer enthused: “Loved this series! You have to watch all of it to truly appreciate it. Best show I’ve watched in a really long time.

“Each week left me on the edge of my seat awaiting the next week’s episode.”

A further admirer noted the programme “keeps you hooked” and remarked: “I think it was great.

“The suspense, storyline, actors. It has it all and keeps you not wanting to stop watching. I binged it all in a day which isn’t normal for me.”

The Last Thing He Told Me season 2 continues Fridays on Apple TV.

The star of Euphoria and The Last Ship has died, aged 53, less than a year after reporting his diagnosis

Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane has died aged 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – a foirm of Muscular Neurone Disease. The US actor died less than a year after publicly revealing he had been diagnosed with the progressive neurodegenerative disease.

His passing was confirmed by his representatives in a statement to the Associated Press, who said he had been surrounded by friends and family. The statement said: “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world.

“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”

Dane’s career took off when he joined long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy as fan-favourite Dr Mark “McSteamy” Sloan. He played the suave surgeon from 2006 until 2012, returning to the show for a guest appearance in 2021.

Dane later reached a new generation of viewers when he was cast as Cal Jacobs, the conflicted antagonist of the HBO hit Euphoria. Other screen credits include roles in Charmed, Burlesque, Marley and Me and Valentine’s Day.

Between 2014 and 2018 he played Tom Chandler in post-apocalyptic action series The Last Ship. Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004 and the pair share two children. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018 but later filed to have the petition dismissed.

In December, she wrote for US magazine The Cut that while the two lived separately and dated other people, they shared “a very complicated relationship, one that’s confusing for people. Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love”.

Dane later drew on his own experience for a guest role on the TV series Brilliant Minds in November 2025, portraying a firefighter diagnosed with ALS who struggles to share the news with his family.

According to the NHS, early symptoms of motor neurone disease (MND) often begin gradually and include weakness, stiffness, or cramping in limbs (particularly hands, legs, and feet), along with slurred speech. These symptoms often start on one side of the body, such as a weak grip, tripping, or difficulty climbing stairs.

Common Early Symptoms:

• Weakness or Stiffness: Muscle weakness, especially in the hands causing difficulty gripping, or weak legs causing trips and “foot drop”.
• Muscle Issues: Twitching, cramps, or spasms.
• Speech and Swallowing: Slurred speech (dysarthria) and swallowing difficulties.
• Mobility: Difficulty lifting arms (shoulder weakness) or dragging a leg.
• Physical Changes: Unexplained weight loss, often due to muscle wasting.

These symptoms are initially subtle and may be mistaken for other conditions. The NHS advises seeing a GP if you experience these symptoms, especially if they are getting worse, to secure a prompt referral to a specialist.

Most benefits have been uprated in line with inflation at 3.8%, ensuring payments better reflect rising living costs.

Meanwhile, the State Pension increase for 2026/27 is protected by the government’s Triple Lock guarantee, which ensures the pension rises by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%. For 2026/27, this means a 4.8% increase.

Whether you’re a pensioner, carer, disabled claimant, jobseeker, parent, or someone unable to work due to illness, the Department for Work and Pensions has put out its 2026/27 to every major UK benefit, detailing its updated payment rates .

Out Today: DWP benefit statistics: February 2026
Accredited Official Statistics and Official Statistics release of the main DWP administered benefits through Stat-Xplore and supplementary tables https://t.co/cHKlLQZLhg pic.twitter.com/8YNbsJIYvh

— Steve Ellerd-Elliott (@SeeStats) February 17, 2026

Disability benefits provide extra financial support if you need help with care or mobility. Many of these payments are tax-free and not means-tested, meaning savings and income do not affect eligibility.

Attendance Allowance

For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.

2026/27 Rates:

• Lower rate: £76.70 per week
• Higher rate: £114.60 per week

Key Features:

• Not means-tested
• Tax-free
• No mobility component
• Can increase Pension Credit and Housing Benefit
• May allow a carer to claim Carer’s Allowance

At the higher rate, this is worth nearly £6,000 per year.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

For working-age people with long-term health conditions or disabilities.

Daily Living Component (2026/27):

• Standard: £76.70
• Enhanced: £114.60

Mobility Component:

• Standard: £30.30
• Enhanced: £80.00

PIP is not means-tested and can significantly increase Universal Credit or Housing Benefit awards.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Being replaced by PIP for adults but still paid to some children.

Care Component:

• Lowest: £30.30
• Middle: £76.70
• Highest: £114.60

Mobility Component:

• Lower: £30.30
• Higher: £80.00

Today we’ve announced the largest above-inflation increase to the Minimum Income Guarantee in over a decade.

Helping working-age disabled adults pay for everyday essentials.

We’ve also confirmed £723m that could fund home adaptations for around 60,000 older and disabled people. pic.twitter.com/yRzJcVfryE

— Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) February 17, 2026

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Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

For people unable to work due to illness or disability. Many people have now been moved to Universal Credit through a ‘managed migration’ process.

Contributory / New Style ESA (2026/27):

• Under 25: £75.65
• 25 or over: £95.55

Additional Components:

• Work-related activity: £37.95
• Support component: £50.35

Income-Related ESA (selected 2026/27 rates):

• Single 25 or over: £97.75
• Couple (both over 18): £153.61

Premiums:

• Enhanced disability: £22.00
• Severe disability (single): £86.05
• Carer premium: £48.15

Universal Credit

Universal Credit (UC) replaces six legacy benefits and supports working-age households.

Standard Allowance (2026/27):

Single under 25: £338.58
Single 25 or over: £424.90
Couple (one or both 25+): £666.97

Child Elements:

First child (pre-April 2017): £351.88
Subsequent children: £303.94

Disabled Child Addition:

Lower rate: £164.79
Higher rate: £514.71

Carer Element:

£209.34

Childcare Support:

One child max: £1,071.09
Two or more: £1,836.16

Work Allowances:

Higher: £710
Lower: £427

Capital Rules:

• Upper limit: £16,000
• First £6,000 ignored
• £4.35 assumed income per £250 above threshold

Pension age benefits

State Pension 2026/27

New State Pension (full rate):

£241.30 per week

Old Basic State Pension:

£184.90 per week

Most pension payments increased by 4.8% for 2026/27.

Pension Credit

Guarantees a minimum weekly income.

Standard Minimum Guarantee:

Single: £238.00
Couple: £363.25

Additional Amounts:

Severe disability (single): £86.05
Carer addition: £48.15

Savings Credit:

Maximum single: £17.96
Maximum couple: £20.10

No upper capital limit applies, but tariff income applies above £10,000.

Pension Credit can unlock:

• Free NHS dental treatment
• Council Tax Reduction
• Cold Weather Payments
• Free TV licence (age 75+)

Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb, now a partner at pension consultants LCP, said: “With households continuing to face a high cost of living and further increases in bills such as Council Tax, these annual upratings are vital to make sure that pensioner living standards are protected against inflation.”

Recommended reading:

Housing Benefit

Now mainly for pensioners and some supported housing claimants. This has been frozen again.

Personal Allowances (2026/27):

Single 25+: £95.55
Couple (18+): £150.15

Premiums:

Family: £20.22
Disability (single): £44.85
Severe disability (single): £86.05
Carer premium: £48.15

Universal Credit includes housing costs for most working-age claimants.

Carer’s Allowance

Weekly rate: £86.45

Must:

• Provide 35+ hours of care weekly
• Earn no more than £204 per week

Can also trigger extra Universal Credit or Pension Credit additions.

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Contribution-based:

• Under 25: £75.65
• 25+: £95.55

Income-based:

• Single 25+: £95.55
• Couple (18+): £150.15

Income Support

Single 25+: £95.55
Couple 18+: £150.15
Dependent child: £87.88

Premiums match ESA and JSA disability rates.

Bereavement Benefits 2026/27

Bereavement Support Payment

Standard:

• Lump sum: £2,500
• Monthly: £100

Higher:

• Lump sum: £3,500
• Monthly: £350

Widowed Parent’s Allowance (legacy): £156.65 per week.

Statutory Sick Pay

£123.25 per week

Statutory Maternity Pay

£194.32 per week

Also £194.32 for:

• Statutory Paternity Pay
• Statutory Adoption Pay
• Statutory Shared Parental Pay
• Statutory Neonatal Pay
• Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

100% disablement rate: £233.90

Constant Attendance Allowance:

Exceptional: £187.20
Intermediate: £140.40
Normal maximum: £93.60
Part-time: £46.80

Unemployability Supplement: £144.65

Maximum life gratuity: £15,520

Greater London:
Couples / single with child: £25,323 per year
Single adult: £16,967

Rest of Great Britain:
Couples / single with child: £22,020
Single adult: £14,753

Certain disability claimants are exempt.

Universal Credit & Working-Age Benefits:
Upper limit: £16,000
Disregard: £6,000

Pension Credit:
No upper limit
First £10,000 ignored
£1 income per £500 above threshold

Yahya Sinwar, the overall head of Hamas, was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2024, and its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an Israeli attack in Iran in July that year. Hamas’s military chief Mohammed Deif was also killed that July, in an Israeli air strike on Gaza.

The best clothes steamers are quick alternatives to ironing. They remove creases, kill bacteria, and freshen garments using less electricity. Unlike ironing boards, which take up space, steamers only need a hanger and a nearby plug.

“Steaming is the best way to refresh delicate clothes,” says Florrie Thomas, head stylist at fashion platform Wrapp10. “A steamer is quicker, gentler on clothing and far more environmentally friendly, saving time, money and energy over repeated dry cleaning visits or tumble dryer cycles.” You can also use clothes steamers to freshen curtains, upholstery or to de-crease duvet covers.”

The right type of clothes steamer depends on the size of your laundry load. Handheld models hold enough water for a few items at a time. Upright steamers can manage larger loads, but they’re less portable. We’ve written full reviews of both types of clothes steamer and answered all your FAQs below. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top five:

The best clothes steamers: At a glance

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How to choose the best clothes steamer

First, consider which type of steamer best meets your needs. A handheld model is great for quick touch-ups. You can even take it in the car or on the train to refresh your outfit before an event. Upright steamers have larger tanks and work better on big loads and heavy fabrics like denim, but they take up more space and cost more.

Fashion stylist Emma Lightbown recommends finding a steamer with a water tank large enough for your average load to avoid refilling too often. “Look for steamers that are instant steam rather than those that leave you waiting around while they heat up the whole tank,” she says.

Steamers often have a control dial that tweaks the temperature for different fabrics such as wool, linen and cotton. Before buying, check the settings suit your wardrobe.

If you plan to use your clothes steamer often, choose one that feels comfortable to hold and heats up fast. A well-designed steamer that works quickly can make everyday life easier.

How we test clothes steamers

Over the past two decades, the close friendship that’s blossomed between Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer has given me immeasurable amounts of joy.

For this nostalgic millennial, 13 Going on 30 has been one of my favourite films since its release in 2004. So much so that I even dressed up as Jenna Rink for my 30th birthday, multicoloured Thriller dress and all.

So when I recently had the chance to speak to Jennifer about season 2 of The Last Thing He Told Me for Metro alongside her co-star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, I had to know how it felt for her to reunite with Judy on-screen… as well as telling her about my fancy dress outfit.

The Apple TV Plus thriller, which premiered in 2023 and is based on the novel by Laura Dave, follows a woman called Hannah (Jennifer) whose life is turned upside down when her husband Owen (Nikolaj) vanishes, leaving her with his stepdaughter Bailey (Angourie Rice) as they grapple to piece together the mystery of his disappearance.

It turns out that Owen’s real name is Ethan, and he was previously married to the daughter of a mobster lawyer called Nicholas Bell (David Morse).

After Ethan’s wife was murdered, he fled with his daughter to create a new life for them both with fresh identities. Eventually, he met, fell in love with and married Hannah.

Ethan’s involvement with the police, leaking information to them to bring down members of the crime syndicate, results in him being forced to go on the run.

The season one finale ends with a five-year time jump, when a heavily disguised Owen discreetly visits Hannah after she was forced to sacrifice their life together to protect Bailey.

In season two, the stakes are at an all-time high. Hannah knows that her husband is alive, but is not supposed to have contact with him. Owen (aka Ethan) is still working to bring down the dangerous criminals who threaten his family, and Judy enters the fray as Quinn, the eldest daughter of the Campano crime family.

‘Judy and I have been friends ever since 13 Going on 30. There’s such a lovely shorthand. You don’t erase the history that you have with someone,’ Jennifer, 53, told Metro, shortly after Apple TV’s press day in Los Angeles.

‘She’s carried me through the last 20 years, and I’ve a little bit carried her. I’ve watched her evolve into a more and more formidable, stronger, deadlier actress, and so to be on the other side of her in these scenes was… it just really asked me to up my game. I was thrilled to have that opportunity.

‘I get to do that with Nikolaj, but it’s usually you’re with a man to do that. With another woman, it’s really special.’

While The Last Thing He Told Me might be an action-packed thriller, at its core it’s an enthralling family drama, complete with complex relationships and generational trauma.

One of the overarching questions that runs through the centre of the story is how much you’re willing to sacrifice for the people you love.

‘It’s a question we all struggle with all the time, because we all know it’s very easy to have opinions of how other people should live their lives when you see it from afar,’ Game of Thrones star Nikolaj, 55, said.

‘It’s not that simple when you have to sacrifice stuff. You would hope – I would hope – that there would be no limits to do whatever you could for the people you love. There’s different families within the show, and they all are faced with these very foundational questions.’

Jennifer, who’s also an executive producer on the series, added: ‘What’s interesting is that as we are trying to dive into these real-life tough questions at the centre of this show, we’re being chased, and we are barely one step ahead, and not even always one step ahead of losing our lives.

‘You have this super propulsive energy, and you have this real family love story in the middle of it, and then you have this real baddie of Judy Greer showing up and her whole family, Luke Kirby and John Noble, they’re so amazing.

‘This season really does offer more of the same, deeper, better. Laura’s sequel did not become an instant bestseller on the New York Times list for nothing. She wrote a fantastic story.’

The Last Thing He Told Me season 2 premieres on Friday February 20 on Apple TV Plus, with episodes being made available to watch weekly.

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Health boards in Wales have been told to prioritise urgent patients while the shortage continues

A shortage of a surgical material has resulted in operations being disrupted in Wales. A Welsh health board has said that the shortage is expected to cause “disruption” to those waiting for surgery and some replacement operations are being paused.

There is a global shortage of bone cement that is used in a wide range of emergency and planned orthopaedic surgical procedures including knee and hip replacements.

The shortage has been caused by a manufacturing issue at the production facility of one of the main suppliers of the surgical material which is causing delays across the UK.

Heraeus Medical, the main supplier of bone cement for the NHS, which is based in Germany, reported a packaging fault affecting its bone cement products. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has issued a statement regarding the shortages confirming that health boards in Wales have been told to “prioritise those patients who are in the most urgent need to ensure that emergency surgery can continue safely”.

This has meant that all planned (elective) joint replacement operations in Wales which require the use of cement are being paused temporarily.

The health board said: “There is currently a global shortage of bone cement affecting the NHS nationally following a manufacturing issue at the production facility of one of the main suppliers of the material.

“Bone cement is essential in a wide range of emergency and planned orthopaedic surgical procedures and as a result of this shortage, we are anticipating disruption to some planned joint replacement operations.

“Across Wales, we have been asked to prioritise those patients who are in the most urgent need to ensure that emergency surgery can continue safely.

“As a result, all planned (elective) joint replacement operations in Wales which require the use of cement are being paused temporarily.

“We will be contacting all patients whose procedures have been affected directly to explain the next steps.

“If you have not been contacted by the health board, please assume that your operation will be continuing as expected. Whilst this situation is beyond our control, we apologise for the inconvenience caused and are working hard to minimise the impact and return to normal service as soon as possible.”

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