Patients warned over further IT outage disruption

Patients have been warned of a possible "knock-on effect" as systems get back to normal

A health board is warning patients of disruption this week as NHS systems get back on track following Friday's global IT outage.

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said access to most systems was expected to be restored, however there could still be "a knock-on effect going into the new week".

Dr Neil O'Brien, ICB's chief medical officer, apologised for the inconvenience.

Friday's outage affected about half of GP practices across the North East and North Cumbria as well as pharmacies and community services.

The incident happened when a security company called CrowdStrike sent out a corrupted software update to its huge number of customers across the world.

Hospitals and football clubs in the North East and Cumbria were also affected.

'Business as usual'

About 330 GP practices under the NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB were affected by the outage - which was about half of its total GP surgeries.

The ICB said practices would be "open for business as usual", but some might not be able to issue repeat prescriptions.

Dr O'Brien said: "GP practices will be back open on Monday morning, but if you don't need their help urgently, please consider calling your surgery on another day instead.

"If you have a booked appointment, please do attend unless you are told otherwise."

Patients are advised to see their pharmacist for an emergency supply if they are likely to run out of their medication in the next 48 hours.