Major IT Issues Disrupt NHS Services in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: What You Need to Know

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System is currently grappling with significant IT issues that have affected hospitals and other NHS locations across the region.

Continuity Plans Activated

According to a spokesperson, the organisation has activated business continuity plans to ensure that clinical teams can continue to provide essential patient care and treatment. While the issue has been identified and restoration efforts are underway, it has been emphasised that this is a local problem and not a result of a cyber attack.

Impact on Services

As part of the efforts to resolve the IT problems, some planned outpatient appointments and operations may need to be rescheduled. The NHS will contact affected patients directly to inform them of any changes. Patients are advised not to call the hospitals unless it is an urgent matter.

To ease the pressure on NHS staff during this time, the public is encouraged to use alternative services such as Minor Injury Units, pharmacies, and NHS111 online. For life-threatening emergencies, the advice remains to call 999.

No Critical Incident Declared

Despite the significant disruption, a critical incident has not been declared. The issue is being managed within the scope of the organisation’s business continuity plans. Further updates will be provided via the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System’s social media channels – Facebook – Twitter.

Updated Statement on NHS IT Issue

Following the IT issues experienced earlier today, the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System has provided an updated statement regarding the situation.

A spokesperson for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System stated:

“Our IT systems are gradually coming back online following a network outage earlier today. Restoration work will continue throughout the evening and overnight.

Outpatient appointments, planned operations, and procedures are scheduled to proceed as usual tomorrow. Patients should attend their appointments at the hospital or health centre as planned. Those who had appointments postponed today will be contacted directly to arrange a new date.

GP surgeries will be open, and patients with GP appointments should continue to attend as scheduled.

To assist our teams during this recovery period, if you require urgent care today, please use the 111 service online or by phone for advice on the most appropriate place for your care. The latest waiting and opening times for minor injury units are available online: Urgent Care Wait Times.

In a life-threatening emergency, please continue to call 999.

12/06/2024 – Update on NHS IT Issues

A spokesperson for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System provided an updated statement on the recent IT issues:

“The majority of our IT issues are now resolved, and we continue to provide all our NHS services.

“Thank you for your understanding, support, and patience over this time – it is very much appreciated.

“We can confirm all GP and outpatient appointments, planned operations, and procedures are going ahead today, and patients should please come to the GP surgery, hospital, or health centre as planned. Anyone who has had an appointment postponed yesterday will be contacted directly to agree on a new date.

“Some areas are still under pressure as a result of the outage, including our emergency department and ambulance handovers. Unless it’s a life or limb-threatening emergency, we are asking people to use other services so we can help those who need it the most.

“Please continue to access the most appropriate service including your own GP surgery, local pharmacies, NHS 111, minor injury units, and urgent treatment centres. Please check locations, waiting, and opening times online as your nearest may not be your quickest: Royal Cornwall Hospitals – Urgent Care

“We are grateful to our staff who worked together to continue to provide services and to minimize disruption for patients wherever possible during this time. Thank you.”