After a cyber attack on Synnovis, GP blood testing services in south east London have finally been restored three months later, NHS London has confirmed.
In June 2024, a ransomware attack caused major disruptions to pathology services in Southwark, Lambeth, and Bromley, resulting in the postponement of thousands of operations and procedures.
As of September 19, 2024, Jane Fryer, medical director at NHS London, stated that testing services have returned to GPs across all south east London boroughs, with efforts underway to fully reinstate blood transfusion services in the coming weeks.
Thanks to mutual aid arrangements, planned operations and transplants for patients in the region have been maintained despite challenges faced during the cyber attack.
While services are close to full capacity, some manual processes are still in place as Synnovis works on restoring electronic links between laboratories and their service users.
Mark Dollar, chief executive at Synnovis, expressed satisfaction with the successful reestablishment of GP diagnostic services and the gradual return to normal hospital operations following the attack.
Progress is ongoing to resume the transformation of pathology services across south east London, with plans previously delayed by the cyber incident.
Despite setbacks, efforts to enhance cyber resilience in health and social care organizations are in motion, with new frameworks and regulations being introduced to prevent future attacks.
With continued support from patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders, the healthcare sector is regaining stability and resilience in the face of cybersecurity threats.
Recent data from affected trusts have shown a limited number of appointments and procedures postponed due to the attack, but measures are in place to mitigate such disruptions moving forward.
