Update on ransomware attack. Statement issued by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, Blackpool CCG and Fylde and Wyre CCG

Statement from Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group

Health Services across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre are continuing to run a safe and effective service for patients following the ransomware attack which began on Friday.

At local hospitals patients are asked to attend elective surgery and outpatient appointments they have planned unless contacted in advance.

Patients are also asked to attend any appointments with their local GP practice unless told otherwise by their GP.

Patients are advised not to try to contact health services by email as the system is not currently functioning and messages will not be received. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Patients needing to contact the hospital are asked to telephone the number on their appointment letter.

The Fylde coast NHS is grateful to patients for their continued understanding and cooperation during this period, however we would remind people to please use services appropriately. We ask patients to only use A&E for emergency and life-threatening conditions.

The free NHS 111 helpline or your local pharmacy can provide advice for non-urgent health issues. Doing this will help ensure the most unwell and urgent patients are seen as quickly as possible.

The Walk-In Centre at Whitegate Drive is open as normal from 8am to 8pm and staff are treating patients with urgent but non-emergency needs.

The Fleetwood Same-Day Health Centre is also open as normal from 8am to 10pm. Please call 0300 123 11 44 to make an appointment.

IT staff have worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to make sure there is minimal disruption to the care of our patients and they have managed to ensure vital services are running effectively.

All hospital wards, clinics and theatres are running as planned. Work is ongoing to make sure the majority of computers in the hospital and in GP practices continue to function properly.

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