The majority of GP practices in the Black Country have been affected by a global IT outage today (Friday 19 July) and health chiefs have issued the following advice.
Ryan Hobson, local GP and Chair of the Black Country Primary Care Collaborative, said: “We are facing an IT outage which is causing us significant disruption. If your health concern is urgent, primary care is open and we will do our best to see you.
“If you have a pre-booked appointment for today and you feel /think that your problem can wait, please contact the practice next week to rebook. Please attend if your problem is urgent and needs to be seen today. If your health concern can wait, please contact the practice next week.
“People should continue to use local pharmacies for self-care or any minor health conditions.
“For urgent medical advice, please visit 111 online or call 111 or 999 for emergencies.”
The NHS has long standing measures in place to manage the disruption, including using paper patient records and handwritten prescriptions, and the usual phone systems to contact your GP.
There is currently no known impact on 999 or emergency services, so people should use these services as they usually would.
