Blaming a computer virus outbreak, a hospital system comprising 3 separate hospitals in the United Kingdom was forced to cancel all planned operations and diverted major trauma cases to neighboring facilities this week. The CyberCrime incident came as U.K. leaders detailed a national cyber security strategy that promises billions in cybersecurity spending, new special police units to pursue organized online gangs, and the possibility of retaliation for major attacks.
The affected hospitals are part of the ‘Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust’, and they posted an advisory notice on their website (now removed).
A virus infected our electronic systems on Sunday October 30 and we have taken the decision, following expert advice, to shut down the majority of our systems so we can isolate and destroy it.
All planned operations, outpatient appointments and diagnostic procedures have been cancelled for Wednesday, Nov. 2 with a small number of exceptions.
Inpatients will continue to be cared for and discharged as soon as they are medically fit. Major trauma cases will continue to be diverted to neighboring hospitals as will high risk women in labour.
More information – Healthcareitnews.com