Wigan almost in the clear after being hit by NHS cyber attack

Computers have been shut down across the country after NHS computers were hit by a cyber attack yesterday afternoon, plunging the health service into chaos.

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust, which operates Wigan Infirmary, warned people to stay away from A&E unless it is an emergency after the cyber attack reached the borough yesterday evening wiping out IT for more than 12 hours.

Andrew Foster, chief executive of WWL, has this morning tweeted: "Thanks to all staff, especially IT. Almost all services are working normally; email is down till the system clears."

In a social media message last night, hospital bosses urged people to use alternatives to A&E wherever possible.

A virus targeted the health service network, including on the Fylde coast, yesterday afternoon and has since spread across the country.

Prime Minister Theresa May said it came as part of a wider international attack. Tech experts are now battling to fix the problem, which the NHS has declared a 'major incident', and computers at walk-in centres, hospitals, and at GP surgeries have been taken offline, along with some telephone services.

Anyone seeking non-urgent medical assistance is advised to call NHS 111 for free advice, or to visit their local pharmacy. Read more at: http://www.wigantoday.net/news/health/updated-nhs-hit-by-huge-cyber-attack-avoid-a-e-and-walk-in-centres-unless-absolutely-necessary-1-8540798