UK Healthcare Provider Hit by Cyberattack, Services Affected

Wirral University Teaching Hospital in the UK has been hit by a targeted cyberattack, leading to the declaration of a major incident.

The cyberattack has affected the hospital’s IT systems, necessitating a shift from digital to paper-based processes in certain areas.

A spokesperson for the hospital stated, “We expect the major incident that was declared at the Trust earlier this week to continue over the weekend. The major incident was declared following a targeted cybersecurity issue and we are working hard to rectify the issue.”

As a precautionary measure, the hospital isolated its systems after detecting suspicious activity to prevent the problem from spreading.

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This has resulted in some IT systems being taken offline. In response, the hospital has activated its business continuity processes, ensuring that patient care remains a priority despite the challenges.”Our staff is working tirelessly to ensure that safe patient care remains our priority,” the spokesperson added.

While essential services are still operational, the cyberattack has caused disruptions to planned services, impacting some scheduled appointments and procedures.

Patients are advised to attend scheduled appointments unless they are notified otherwise. The hospital is making efforts to reschedule any postponed procedures as soon as possible.

The Trust continues to prioritize emergency treatment; however, patients might experience longer waiting times for unplanned treatments in the Emergency Department and assessment areas.

As per a report from the Hospital, the hospital urges the public to only visit the Emergency Department for genuine emergencies and to utilize other healthcare services such as NHS 111, walk-in centers, urgent treatment centers, GPs, or pharmacists for non-urgent health concerns.

Working closely with national cybersecurity services, the hospital aims to restore normal operations at the earliest opportunity.

The situation highlights the increasing vulnerability of healthcare institutions to cyber threats and the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

As the incident unfolds, the Trust remains committed to maintaining patient safety and minimizing service disruptions. The public is encouraged to remain informed and follow the hospital’s guidance during this challenging time.

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