Update on the cyber-attack affecting blood tests in south east London
We are currently continuing to experience significant disruption to our pathology services, particularly blood tests requested by GPs. This is following a cyber-attack affecting NHS pathology service provider Synnovis.
The majority of our services, including outpatients and Lewisham community services, are running as usual. If you have an appointment, please attend as normal. If we have to cancel your appointment, we will let you know. The majority of routine GP-requested pathology tests are postponed until further notice. If you have not heard from us, please attend as planned. We apologise unreservedly to all patients who are affected.
Emergency and urgent care
Our emergency department (A&E) at both Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich and University Hospital Lewisham are open as normal to those needing urgent or emergency care, although you may experience a longer wait than usual. If you need medical advice but it’s not an emergency, please consider using a different service to get the care you need. You could:
- call NHS 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk
- make an appointment with your GP
- go to a local pharmacist.
If we feel you could be seen elsewhere, we will ask you to do so and advise you on the most appropriate place to go.
Blood tests
Most non-urgent blood tests requested by primary care/GPs are postponed until further notice. We are prioritising patients who most urgently need blood tests. If you had a test booked and it has been cancelled, you will receive a text message to notify you of the cancellation. Once the service resumes, we will send you a text message to prompt you to re-book.
If you're worried a delay will affect your care, please speak with your healthcare team. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and thank you for your understanding.