NHS services hit by 'suspicious' IT activity

Patients have been advised that booked appointments are still going ahead

Community health services in Medway have had to disconnect their IT system after detecting "suspicious activity".

Medway Community Healthcare (MCH) said it is investigating the issue and has acted to "protect patient and staff data"

Patients have been advised that booked appointments are still going ahead "unless you are told otherwise", it said.

MCH provides community health services for Medway residents including health visitors and district nurses, speech and language therapists and out of hours urgent care.

MCH said: "Earlier this week we told you that we detected some suspicious activity relating to our IT systems.

"As a precaution, we therefore disconnected our systems to protect patient and staff data.

"This investigation is ongoing."

Patients who are due to have a blood test have been told to have a paper form, otherwise the appointment cannot proceed.

Anyone who was expecting a home visit and has not had it has been encouraged to call MCH.

They added: "Please bear with us, and be patient."