Statement from Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG
The NHS in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre would like to thank local people for their support and understanding during what has been a challenging time for services in the area.
We would also like people to continue thinking carefully before accessing emergency health services as we head into the weekend with work continuing to bring all affected computers back online as quickly as possible.
The cyber-attack which began on Friday, May 12, caused a number of problems for services across the Fylde coast in both hospitals and in GP practices. Most systems are now fixed but a small number of computers remain affected.
NHS staff showed great resolve in maintaining an effective service while IT colleagues worked around the clock to bring all affected systems back online.
People across the Fylde coast have demonstrated a real willingness to help the NHS deal with the impact of the cyber-attack.
Those who have had to use services have showed a great deal of understanding that staff are dealing with unexpected technical difficulties. Public messages asking people to consider whether they do need to access emergency services at busy times have been listened to and understood.
As has been the case since the outbreak began, doctors surgeries are continuing to see patients with appointments and hospital services are running as normally as possible.
People are asked to continue attending planned appointments unless they have been contacted directly and are encouraged to only use A&E when there is a genuine emergency.
If you do have a medical complaint and are not sure what you should do, please call NHS 111 to get medical advice and information on what services are available. You can also talk to your local pharmacist who is trained and qualified to give professional, free advice.
The NHS Choices website is also available with useful guides on medical conditions and treatments at www.nhs.uk