Local hospitals hit by major cyber attack

A number of GP surgeries and hospitals across the region have been hit by a cyber-attack that's forced them to shut down their IT systems.

NHS England has confirmed that the virus has been affecting NHS clinics across the country.

Both the North Cumbria and Cumbria Partnership Trusts have been affected.

The first health board to confirm it had been affected in Scotland was Dumfries and Galloway.

A spokesman said: "Three GP practices have been initially affected and we are taking precautionary measures to prevent any others being affected."

He declined to name the practices involved and said the board is "comfortable and confident" with the steps taken, but added: "We don't know what we're dealing with."

NHS Borders says three community sites have been hit.

Staff have been forced to switch off their computers while experts try to locate and fix the problem. It's unclear whether confidential patient details have been compromised.

NHS England has confirmed that the virus, a ransomware attack called "Wanna Decryptor", is affecting clinics across the country.

Ambulances have been diverted and patients are warned to avoid some A&E departments across the country.