IT Issues Disrupt NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Services

Published On: 19 July 2024Last Updated: 22 July 2024By CornishStuff

Some GP Surgeries Affected: Only Call if Urgent

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly have reported significant disruptions to some of their IT systems. As a result, several GP surgeries in the area are experiencing IT issues, prompting a request for patients to only call their surgery if they have an urgent medical reason.

Investigations Underway

The NHS team is currently investigating the situation to determine the full extent of the issue. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, patients are urged to be patient and understanding as staff work diligently to prioritise those with the most urgent health needs.

Continued Access to Medical Services

Despite the IT challenges, patients are advised to continue attending their GP or hospital appointments unless instructed otherwise. For life or limb-threatening emergencies, the public should continue to use the 999 service.

Local pharmacies remain a valuable resource for many common conditions, and NHS 111 online is available for advice and guidance.

Patience and Cooperation Appreciated

The NHS team extends their gratitude for the public’s understanding and patience during this challenging period. They emphasise that staff are working hard to manage the situation and ensure that those in most need receive prompt attention.

This ongoing issue highlights the importance of robust IT systems in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of healthcare services. Further updates will be shared as soon as they are available.

National NHS statement – 10:30 Friday 19 July

An NHS spokesperson said: “The NHS is aware of a global IT outage and an issue with EMIS, an appointment and patient record system, which is causing disruption in the majority of GP practices.

“The NHS has long standing measures in place to manage the disruption, including using paper patient records and handwritten prescriptions, and the usual phone systems to contact your GP.

“There is currently no known impact on 999 or emergency services, so people should use these services as they usually would.”

IT issues update 17:00 19 July

Following the Global IT issue, work continues by third party suppliers to restore services and some services have been resumed at some GP surgeries.

We know that some services in community pharmacies are still impacted, including accessing prescriptions – which may continue over the weekend.

Our teams are working hard to minimise the disruption.

There is currently no known impact on 999 or emergency services, so people should use these services as they usually would for life or limb emergencies only please. This will ensure we can focus on the people who need them the most.

Saturday 20 July: Global IT issue update on NHS services

Following the global IT issues, work continues to restore our NHS IT systems.

The issue with EMIS, an appointment and patient record system used by the majority of GP practices is being resolved and limited access is now possible.

Some local services, including community pharmacy and prescriptions may take some time to be fully resolved and we kindly ask for your continued understanding, support and patience over this time

How people can help over this time:

Please continue to access the most appropriate service including local pharmacies, NHS 111, minor injury units and urgent treatment centre over the weekend.
If it’s not urgent, please wait until after the weekend to access services
Please check locations, waiting and opening times online as your nearest may not be your quickest: https://royalcornwallhospitals.nhs.uk/waitin…/urgent-care/
Please don’t turn up at the emergency department or call 999, unless you have a life or limb threatening emergency, so we can keep these services available for the people who need it the most.

We are grateful to our staff who continue to work together to minimise disruption for patients wherever possible during this time.

Sunday 21 July – Global IT system update from NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Following a major IT outage that affected global systems, the NHS has announced that most impacted IT systems are now back online. Final checks are being conducted to confirm full operational status ahead of GP surgeries reopening after the weekend.

Continued Disruption Expected

There may be continued disruption this week as GP and pharmacy services recover from the IT system loss experienced on Friday, 19 July. Teams are working diligently to update systems, contact patients, and rebook appointments. Given that Mondays are typically the busiest times for contacting GP surgeries, local residents are urged to wait until later in the week to call or use online services unless their need is urgent.

How You Can Help

The NHS is asking for the public’s cooperation to ensure that services remain available for those with the most urgent needs:

Emergency Departments and NHS 111: People are asked not to turn up at emergency departments, minor injury units, or call NHS 111 unless they have an urgent medical reason. This is to keep these services available for those who need them the most.
Minor Injury Units: If you need to visit a minor injury unit, please check locations and wait times online before you go, as the nearest unit may not be the quickest option. You can find this information on the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust website.
Life-Threatening Emergencies: Always use 999 if you have a life or limb-threatening emergency.
NHS 111 Online: Use NHS 111 online for advice and only call NHS 111 for urgent matters.

Patience and Understanding Appreciated

The NHS appreciates the public’s understanding and patience during this time. Staff are working hard to ensure that those with the most urgent health needs are seen first. By following the guidelines above, you can help the NHS manage the increased demand and ensure that everyone receives the care they need.