PATIENT appointments have been cancelled after computer systems in hospitals and GP practices across Lanarkshire were hit by a cyber attack.

The shutdown happened around 11am. The health board at first said it was investigating but later confirmed it had been a cyber attack. 

NHS Lanarkshire chief executive Calum Campbell said: "We have detected some incidences of malware. 
"We took immediate action to prevent this spreading while we carried out further investigations.
"We are now putting in place a solution from our IT security provider.
"While the issue is being resolved our staff have been working hard to minimise the impact on patients and we apologise to anyone who has been affected."

It comes months after a major cyber-attack in May caused “significant problems” with IT systems and telephone networks to the NHS UK-wide.

Currently, no other health boards are reporting any major IT disruption.

In a post on Twitter around midday, NHS Lanarkshire stated: "We are currently experiencing IT difficulties which are affecting hospitals and GP practices. We will provide updates on social media."