A number of elective orthopaedic surgeries at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals have had to be rescheduled.

It’s due to a global supply issue affecting bone cement products.

Bosses at the hospitals say existing stock already is unaffected and emergency operations will continue.

But they also say planned operations are being “carefully” reviewed and patients will be prioritised based on clinical need.

The hospital says; “patients do not need to call us, as we will contact them directly if there is any change to their planned care and will do everything we can to avoid or reduce delays.”