Outpatient appointments cancelled: Lincolnshire hospitals still affected by ransomware attack
NHS services in Lincolnshire are still among national and international organisations affected by a ransomware attack on IT systems. The virus has affected all hospitals in Lincolnshire and led to the cancellation of outpatient appointments endoscopies, CT and MRI scans. Patients are being told to avoid A&E unless the situation is critical. The NHS has…
NHS services in Lincolnshire are still among national and international organisations affected by a ransomware attack on IT systems.
The virus has affected all hospitals in Lincolnshire and led to the cancellation of outpatient appointments endoscopies, CT and MRI scans.
Patients are being told to avoid A&E unless the situation is critical.
The NHS has insisted there is no evidence that patient data has been compromised and that the UK’s cyber security experts are working “around the clock” to restore systems.
The malware used in the attack is called WannaCry and attacks Windows operating systems.
Staff were faced with pop-ups stating files had been encrypted on the user’s computer, blocking them from view, before demanding money in the form of bitcoin.
The message being displayed on NHS computer systems.
The former director for intelligence and cyber operations at GCHQ Brian Lord has been quoted as stating the NHS is particularly vulnerable to these types of attacks because of its aging IT systems.
A ULHT spokesperson said: “ULHT hospitals are still affected by the cyber attack that hit many trusts nationally yesterday.
“We are asking patients to stay away unless their condition is serious or life threatening. This will help us to work through the issues and continue to provide safe patient care.
“We have teams working to restore our IT systems as soon as possible.
“Please do not use A&E unless it is a life-threatening emergency. If you feel unwell you should contact NHS 111.
“You should visit or call your pharmacy as usual for prescriptions and minor illnesses. Please do not use urgent care services to access prescriptions.
“All outpatient appointments, endoscopies, CT and MRI scans have been cancelled for this weekend.
“We will continue to assess the situation over the weekend and will provide further updates as and when.”
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England will enter the next stage of its roadmap out of coronavirus lockdown on Monday, meaning non-essential retail and gyms can reopen, as well as pubs, bars and restaurants for outdoor service only.
The rules will come into play on Monday, April 12, allowing for the retail sector to open its doors for customers once again, less than two weeks after the latest lockdown easing on March 29, which meant outdoor socialising was allowed for up to six people.
Hospitality venues will be able to reopen as well, but only for outdoor service, with a full reopening planned for May 17 if COVID-19 cases continue to stay low and the vaccination programme keeps its course.
The rule of six does still remain for outdoor socialising, and people are still being asked not to meet indoors with anyone they don’t live with, unless they are part of a support bubble or legally exempt.
People are also still being asked to keep travel down to a minimum, though since March 29 it is no longer a legal requirement to stay local or at home.
The full list of new rules are:
Hairdressers and nail salons can reopen
Public buildings such as libraries and community centres can reopen
Non-essential retail (clothes shops etc) will be able to return to business
Self-contained accommodation will be able to reopen for overnight stays with your household or support bubble
Weddings, wakes and other commemorative events will be allowed up to 15 people, including inside, but wedding receptions must be outdoors
All childcare and supervised activities will be allowed indoors and outdoors for all children, this is also the case for parent and child groups
Most outdoor attractions (zoos, theme parks, drive-in performances) will be able to reopen
Care home residents will be able to have two named individuals for regular indoor visits (so long as they have a negative lateral flow test)
Lincolnshire Police’s assistant chief constable, Kerrin Wilson, said: “Lockdown has hit practically every aspect of life as we know it, and perhaps the hardest part has been not being able to connect with family and friends in person.
“The easing of restrictions will come as a great relief to many, and I hope the new rules, which afford us the chance to socialise safely as well as get back to doing some of the things we all took for granted, will contribute to a feeling of wellbeing for us all.
“While many of you will already be busy making plans, some of you may feel a sense of nervousness or worry about society opening back up, and we want to assure you that we are still here to protect you and enforce the rules when needed.
“The easing of restrictions does not mean that lockdown has lifted completely. It is a journey that we are all on, and to enable later restrictions to be lifted in June we must all do our bit to continue to follow the rules now.
Legal limits on the number of people allowed to gather at one time remain in place, social distancing must be maintained, and masks worn in public settings such as shops or public transport to keep yourself and everyone else safe. Let’s continue to be sensible and watch out for each other.”
Meanwhile, to help with keeping cases low, free rapid asymptomatic tests can be ordered at home. Here are the details.
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