Pathology service update
As you may be aware from reports in the media our pathology provider, Synnovis has been subjected to a cyber attack.
The attack has meant the NHS cannot use some of its systems essential to run blood tests in south-east London.
Blood tests are vital for a wide range of treatments, meaning this incident has caused significant disruption in south-east London across a range of different treatments.
While this has resulted in the postponement of some appointments and operations, it’s important that patients do continue to attend appointments unless they have been asked not to. If you have not heard from us, please attend appointments as normal.
All urgent and emergency services such as A&E, urgent care centres remain open as usual, but you may find that there are some delays if people require blood tests as we are working to prioritise those tests which are the most urgent.
Data Security
We are aware that the cyber-criminal group has accessed stolen information following a cyber-attack on Synnovis. We understand that people may be concerned by this and we are continuing to work to determine the impact of this as quickly as possible.
There is a central website that is regularly updated with new information as soon as it becomes available so if you have any questions go to www.digital.nhs.uk/news/synnovis-cyber-incident where you should find an answer your query. And if you still have questions you can contact the national helpline, 0345 8778967 for additional support.
Keeping cyber safe
If you are contacted by someone who claims they have your data please contact Action Fraud who are the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime or call 0300 123 2040.
Send suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk or texts to 7726.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has further guidance for individuals and families on data breaches."
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Emergency and urgent care
Emergency departments (A&E) remain open to those needing urgent or emergency care as do urgent treatment centres, although you may experience a longer wait than usual. If you need medical advice but it’s not an emergency, please consider using a different service to get the care you need. You could:
- call NHS 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk
- make an appointment with your GP
- go to a local pharmacist
Background
Synnovis is a partnership between SYNLAB UK & Ireland, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Synnovis provides services to the NHS, clinical users and other service users. For more information visit https://www.synnovis.co.uk/
NHS providers have tried and tested business continuity plans for instances like this, which includes offering mutual aid.
