NHS services recovering after cyber-attack. Update from Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, Blackpool CCG and Fylde and Wyre CCG

This news release is sent on behalf of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Blackpool CCG 

 

NHS staff across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre have been working tirelessly to make sure patient services are maintained and any disruption is kept to a minimum.

IT staff worked over the weekend and are continuing in their efforts to recover computers attacked by the virus. Not all systems were affected by the malware and we are focussing on restoring those that were as quickly as possible.

At no time did the ransomware attack create any risk to patient safety as we have a robust business continuity system.

Doctors surgeries have been seeing patients with appointments throughout the last two days. Business continuity plans have ensured that hospital services are running as normally as possible and the emergency services have not been compromised at any time.

Patients are asked to attend any planned appointments unless they have been contacted directly by the hospital or GP practice. People are encouraged to only use A&E when there is a genuine emergency.

Many local systems are now back online, however patients are asked to use NHS services wisely.

Wendy Swift, chief executive at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Staff across the NHS in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre have been working to ensure that patient care is maintained and that no services have been closed.

“Many staff have literally worked round the clock to ensure that any service disruption is kept to a minimum.

“I would like to give a personal thank you to all the staff who have given up their own time for their commitment and support which has helped keep local NHS services up and running. We would also like to ask the public for their patience and continued support as we work as quickly as possible to resolve any remaining issues.”

Dr Tony Naughton, clinical chief officer at NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG, said: “Although services are open there may still be some disruption. There are steps you can take to help us while systems are getting back online.

“If you have a scheduled GP appointment, keep it. Although they might not have access to everything, doctors are still able to address your clinical needs.

“The NHS 111 free phone line is another way you can get medical advice and what services are locally 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

 

 

 

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