Virus shuts down three London hospitals' systems

Posted on 18 Nov 2008 at 16:52

A computer virus has affected three London hospitals, forcing them to shut down their entire computer systems. St Bartholomew's (Barts) in the City, the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel and The London Chest Hospital in Bethnal Green are affected.

"A computer virus has infected the Barts and The London computer system," confirmed the NHS Trust in a statement. "The Trust's well rehearsed emergency procedures have been activated to ensure that key clinical systems continue while network access is being established."

The Trust also said that operating theatres and outpatients departments have remained operational throughout the incident, though some "non essential activities" have been scaled back.

A&E remains open to walk in patients and ambulances are being diverted to neighbouring hospitals in the short term, although it said that patients with appointments should turn up as planned.

"The Trust is making every effort to provide transport for those patients that need it, but these services are likely to be disrupted by difficulties with computer systems," the statement continued.

A spokesman told the BBC that the virus was "not malicious", and the infection was "self-contained".

Author: Dawinderpal Sahota

Get more reviews, tutorials and in-depth advice, every month with Computer Shopper.
Click here to try 3 issues for £1

< Previous News : General Next >

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to Login or Register to comment.