NHS Improvement issued a Patient Safety Alert on fracture fixation plates on Tuesday 12 February 2019. The alert has asked all hospitals in England to review the x-rays of patients who have had metal plates fitted for fractures to ensure that the correct plates were used.
The BOA input into the safety alert and issued the following statement to the media:
“NHS Improvement approached the BOA for advice on the use of certain metal plates for limb fractures following the identification of an issue at one Trust. We agree with the need to act swiftly in the interest of patient safety but our view is that very few patients will be affected and the risk of harm is extremely low. We would recommend that trusts review the x-rays as per the NHSI guidance issued today and would emphasise to patients that they should not be alarmed. Any patient affected will be contacted by the local hospital where they have been treated.”
You can view and download the Patient Safety Alert from the NHS Improvement website.