All appointments and routine operations have been cancelled at three hospitals after a computer virus attacked critical systems.
Officials said around 1,000 patients would be affected at hospitals run by the North Lincolnshire and Goole trust after a major incident was declared due to the virus, which was identified on Sunday.
A spokesperson said staff had had to power down the majority of the trust’s network on Monday and specialists were now working to fix the problem.
Officials said patient safety had not been compromised, with doctors resorting to pen and paper and serious emergency cases being redirected to neighbouring hospitals.
The three affected hospitals are the Diana Princess of Wales in Grimsby, Scunthorpe general and Goole and District.
Dr Karen Dunderdale, the trust’s deputy chief executive, said: “A virus infected our electronic systems yesterday and we have taken the decision, following expert advice, to shut down the majority of our systems so we can isolate and destroy it.
“Planned operations, outpatient appointments and diagnostic procedures have been cancelled for today and tomorrow.”
She added: “All adult patients should presume their appointment/procedure has been cancelled unless they are contacted. Those who turn up will be turned away. Inpatients will continue to be cared for and discharged as soon as they are medically fit. Major trauma cases will be diverted to neighbouring hospitals, as will high-risk women in labour.”
It is not clear how the virus got into the hospitals’ systems, but officials are hopeful they will be back to full operating capacity by Wednesday.
Dunderdale said: “We are reviewing the situation on an hourly basis. Our clinicians will continue to see, treat and operate on those patients who would be at significant clinical risk should their treatment be delayed.
“Further updates will be posted on the trust website and social media channels.We would like to apologise to all patients who are affected.”
