Investigation after IT problem at two NHS Wales data centres has ‘major impact’ across Wales

A widespread failure affected information technology systems in the Welsh NHS this afternoon.

Update 5:10pm: The issues are resolved, “all systems are now back” although it is likely there will be a backlog as the outage issues filter out of the systems. NHS Wales has reassured people that there is ‘no data security issue’.

The statement adds: “The cause of the technical issue that affected two NHS Wales Data Centres remains under investigation”.

Just before 5pm several Wrexham.com NHS related emails triggered various out office and auto replies, indicating that email based messaging had been restored.

Original information below…

The Department of Health and Social Services have said: “There is currently a technical issue affecting two NHS Wales Data Centres.

“This is under investigation by the NHS Wales Informatics Service and is being dealt with as a priority.”

One South Wales based health centre has said: “NHS Wales IT systems are down across Wales”

They have said they are are still able to see emergency patients, however the problem means no access to any medical notes, appointments systems, repeat prescriptions or similar data.

They added that their ‘ability to provide high quality care will be more limited today’.

Dr Alan Woodall, a GP in Montgomeryshire tweeted:

Appears entire NHS Wales IT network is down – GPs and ? Hospitals. Affecting patients. No idea cause. Hope not a cyber attack.

— Alan Woodall (@DrAlanWoodall) January 24, 2018

A Doctor based out of Old Colwyn tweeted Betsi Cadwaladr UHB the following at 1:52pm to help make patients aware of the ‘major impact’, however as of 5pm there does not appear to have been any statement, or information provided by the local health board.

@BCUHB Just to make patients aware. Server issue, affecting ability of GP surgeries in Wales to access electronic patient records since around 11.50am. This is inevitably having a major impact on what we can do at surgeries. Awaiting update from @NWISupdates @emiswebsupport

— Dr Dylan (@DrDylanParry) January 24, 2018

We have asked locally for details on the impact of the outage and will update when we have further information.