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.
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Hide AdAndrew 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.
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Hide AdAnyone 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