NHS cyber attack 'could have been prevented'

The virus message displayed on computer screens across the NHS Credit: PA

An investigation into the cyber attack which crippled parts of the NHS in May has found that it could have been prevented, if basic I.T. security measures had been taken.

Whitehaven's West Cumberland Hospital was one of several A&E departments across England where ambulances had to be diverted.

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

The National Audit Office's report found that almost 19,500 medicalappointments were estimated to have been cancelled.

The attack is believed to have infected machines at 81 health trusts across England, plus computers at almost 600 GP surgeries.

All were running computer systems - the majority Windows 7 - that had not been updated to secure them against such attacks.

The National Audit Office says the NHS needs to do more to prevent similar attacks in future.

Gold command for North Cumbria NHS Trust during the cyber attack said: