A&E warning after second day of hospital IT woes

People are being asked to avoid Royal Berkshire Hospital's A&E if possible due to an ongoing IT incident

A hospital is urging people to avoid using its A&E for a second day due to ongoing computer problems.

On Thursday, the trust that runs the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading said an IT issue was creating issues with admitting and discharging patients.

It confirmed earlier that the situation was "ongoing" and said patient safety was its "top priority".

People have been urged to use "alternative services" in non-emergency situations, such as pharmacies and NHS 111.

The problem is affecting the trust's wi-fi system.

Issues with accessing some computer records mean some patients are having to be admitted and discharged using pen and paper, creating delays.

The trust suffered another IT incident in September 2022 when it asked people not to go to the Emergency Department. On that occasion it took about two hours for the problem to be resolved.