Local update following global IT issues

In light of recent technical issues affecting computer systems across the globe, people living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are being reminded to continue to use their local health and care services responsibly.

All of the region’s GP practices, the vast majority of which use a different computer system to that impacted by the outages, as well as the larger hospitals in Bath, Swindon and Salisbury, remain open.

However, some services may be operating with delays, as frontline teams continue to manage a very small number of minor IT glitches.

Any person with a GP or hospital appointment planned for today – Friday 19 July – is advised to attend as normal, unless told otherwise.

People needing urgent or emergency care, such as those experiencing severe bleeding, chest pains or loss of consciousness, should not hesitate from calling 999 or visiting their nearest emergency department.

At this current busy time, calls to NHS 111 may take longer than normal to be answered, with people instead asked to use the 111 online service, which is currently available without any reported problems, can be accessed from any smartphone, laptop or tablet.

Further information on how to access NHS 111, as well information on all other local health and care services, can be found at www.nhs.uk.