HACK ATTACK
NHS cyber attack: Major UK hospitals forced to cancel surgeries and blood transfusions as ‘critical incident’ declared
Letter about 'attack' was sent out by IT firm
HOSPITALS are being forced to cancel major surgeries and blood transfusions after a cyber attack.
A "critical incident" has been declared, with massive NHS hospitals and their patients impacted.
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There are reports patients in London are being told they may have to wait weeks for appointments - including blood transfusions.
London's Guy's, St Thomas' and King's College Hospitals are said to have been impacted.
Royal Brompton and Harefield also reportedly had to cancel transplant surgeries.
Contracted IT firm Synnovis, which serves NHS pathology labs, confirmed in an email to staff that it had been hit.
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It apologised for the disruptions caused and said it was quickly working to find a solution.
The IT firm did however say it was unsure of all the details of the attack, or how long it would impact patients.
NHS England London this afternoon said: “On Monday 3 June Synnovis, a provider of lab services, was the victim of a ransomware cyber attack.
“This is having a significant impact on the delivery of services at Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts and primary care services in south east London and we apologise for the inconvenience this is causing to patients and their families.
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“Emergency care continues to be available, so patients should access services in the normal way by dialling 999 in an emergency and otherwise using 111, and patients should continue to attend appointments unless they are told otherwise.
"We will continue to provide updates for local patients and the public about the impact on services and how they can continue to get the care they need.
“We are working urgently to fully understand the impact of the incident with the support of the government’s National Cyber Security Centre and our Cyber Operations team.”
An email was sent out by IT firm Synnovis on Monday and the reported it said: "This is having a major impact on the delivery of our services, with blood transfusions being particularly affected.
"Some activity has already been cancelled or redirected to other providers at short notice as we prioritise the clinical work that we are able to safely carry out."
The email continued: "I recognise how upsetting this is for patients and families whose care has been affected, and how difficult and frustrating this is for you all. I am very sorry for the disruption this is causing.
"An incident response structure has been stood up, with colleagues from across the Trust meeting regularly to assess the situation and put contingency plans into place."
It added: "While we do not yet know all the details or how long this issue will take to resolve we will keep you updated through the usual routes, including through the clinical alert system."
What is a blood transfusion?
The says a blood transfusion is when you're given blood from someone else (a donor). It's a very safe procedure that can be lifesaving.
Why it's done
A blood transfusion may be needed if you have a shortage of red blood cells.
This may be because your body's not making enough red blood cells or because you have lost blood.
For example, you may need a blood transfusion if you have:
- a condition that affects the way your red blood cells work – such as or
- a type of cancer or cancer treatment that can affect blood cells – including leukaemia, or
- severe bleeding – usually from surgery, childbirth or a serious accident
A blood transfusion can replace blood you have lost, or just replace the liquid or cells found in blood (such as red blood cells, plasma or cells called platelets).
Ask your doctor or nurse why they think you might need a transfusion if you're not sure.
What happens
Before having a blood transfusion, the procedure will be explained to you and you'll be asked to sign a consent form.
A sample of your blood will also be taken to check your .
You'll only be given blood that's safe for someone with your blood group.
During a blood transfusion:
- You sit or lie down in a chair or bed.
- A needle is inserted into a vein in your arm or hand.
- The needle is connected to a tube and a bag of blood.
- The blood runs through the tube into your vein.
It can take up to 4 hours to receive 1 bag of blood, but it's usually quicker than this.
You can normally go home soon after, unless you're seriously unwell or need a lot of blood.
How you might feel during and after
You might feel a sharp prick when the needle is first inserted into your vein, but you should not feel anything during the transfusion.
You'll be checked regularly while receiving the blood. Tell a member of staff if you feel unwell or uncomfortable.
Some people develop a temperature, chills or a rash. This is usually treated with or by slowing down the transfusion.
Your arm or hand may ache and have a bruise for a few days after.
Contact a GP if you feel unwell within 24 hours of having a blood transfusion, especially if you have difficulty breathing or pain in your chest or back.
Risks
Blood transfusions are common and very safe procedures.
All donor blood is checked before it's used to make sure it does not contain serious infections such as or .
There's a very small risk of complications, such as:
- an allergic reaction to the donor blood
- a problem with your heart, lungs or immune system (the body's defence against illness and infection)
The risks will be explained before having a transfusion, unless this is not possible – for example, if you need an emergency transfusion.
Speak to your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns.
Alternatives
A blood transfusion will only be recommended if it's needed and other treatments will not help.
If it's possible that you'll need a transfusion (for example, if you're due to have surgery or you have anaemia), you may sometimes be given medicine to:
- lower your risk of bleeding, such as tranexamic acid
- boost your number of red blood cells, such as iron tablets or injections
These can reduce your chances of needing a blood transfusion.
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