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Gwent’s health board has said it is working with the Welsh Government and other health boards amid a global supply shortage in bone cement – which is used in orthopaedic surgery for hips, shoulders and knees.

The shortage is expected to last for at least two months.

In a statement, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said it “must prioritise the most clinically urgent cases and protect our remaining supply of cement for trauma and emergency patients”.

It warned the shortage is “likely to result in cancellations or delays to elective operations over the coming weeks”.

However, it urged patients not to contact the health board to ask if their operation is going ahead – confirming anyone who’s operation is impacted will be contacted.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused,” the health board said. “However these circumstances are beyond our control. We will provide further updates as soon as we have any additional information.

“In the meantime, we are also reminding residents to take care to avoid slips, trips and falls, and to check in on vulnerable loved ones to ensure they are not venturing out in cold, icy weather and risking injuries.”