Update: Local Trusts Take Precautionary Measures Following NHS Cyber-attack


Some appointments cancelled and A&E waiting times may be longer than usual

On its website, Imperial, which contains five hospitals – Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea, St Mary’s and The Western Eye – as well as a growing number of community services, says: " Our IT systems have currently not been affected by the cyber attack.

"We have taken some of our IT systems offline as a precautionary measure. Our hospitals remain open as usual."

On Sunday it updated its message to add: " Our hospitals remain open as usual, but you may find that waiting times are a little longer than normal."

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - which runs Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, West Middlesex University Hospital and a number of clinics across London - has also updated its advice to patients and staff.

After saying on Friday it has "not at this time suffered loss of IT or telephone systems as a result of today’s cyber attack" it is asking patients to "bear with us".

The trust says: "The cyber attack of 12 May 2017, and the precautions we are taking, have affected the normal running of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust—which operates Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, West Middlesex University Hospital and a number of clinics across London.

  • Patients should attend appointments as normal unless they have been directly contacted to agree otherwise
  • Staff should expect slow/restricted emails, should not open suspicious emails and should discuss the latest situation with their manager.

"While we try to maintain a normal service, patients and staff are asked to bear with us.

"All planned appointments at 10 Hammersmith Broadway and 56 Dean Street booked up to 1pm on Monday 15 May are cancelled. A very limited emergency service will be available at these clinics. Dean Street Express is closed until 1pm on Monday 15 May. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to our patients. If you need to reschedule your appointment for these services, please call 020 3315 6699 next week.

"We ask that people only come to A&E when necessary."

May 15, 2017