North East GP practice computer systems are back online
The NHS has announced that computer systems at GP practices across the North East are back online following a cyber-attack.
However, the North East NHS continues to ask the public to avoid using hospital and GP services for minor illness and ailments unless they really need to.
The North East primary care computer network was switched back on Monday afternoon and GP practices opening on Tuesday morning have access to their clinical systems.
However, practices across the North East are still asking patients to consider delaying contacting their practice unless they really need to for the next few days to allow time to clear backlogs caused by the cyber-attack.
There were no infected computers in North East GP practices and the priority through this international malware incident was to protect the NHS computer network, clinical systems and patient data – and this was done very successfully.
While all GP practices will have access to their clinical systems, not all computers in each practice may yet be back in full operation, however it is anticipated they will by the end of Tuesday.
GP practices will be working to get back to full operational capacity and concentrating on prioritising patients with the greatest needs.
Accident and emergency services and other walk in services are continuing to report high numbers of people attending, many of those have minor illness and conditions which could be treated easily at home or with advice from a pharmacist.
The NHS continues to appeal to the public to help the NHS again and relieve pressure on the system to allow services to focus on those with the greatest needs and allow time for NHS staff to bring services back to full capacity in the next few days.
Their advice is as follows:
Do not attend A&E or dial 999 unless it is a serious or life threatening emergency.
The NHS 111 service is under pressure so please think carefully before accessing urgent medical help.
Remember many common illnesses can be best looked after at home with over the counter medication, plenty of fluids, rest and recuperation – and no need to visit A&E.
The public are being advised that this continues to be a busy week for all NHS services in the region.
What can the public do to help?
Please think carefully if you feel you need to book a GP appointment and consider if it can be delayed to later in the week.
Please continue to keep A&E and emergency 999 service free for those with serious or life threatening needs
For all NHS appointments including GPs and hospital services please bring with you any medications, letters or paperwork you already have.
If you already have a GP appointment, please attend as usual and please bear in mind that your practice may not be able to access information required to meet all of your needs and you might be asked to return at a later date.