This means that, for now, only patients with urgent or priority needs will be able to get blood tests.
The issue began when Pathology services provider Synnovis was the victim of a ransomware attack by Russian cyber gang Qilin on June 3.
This attack involved hackers stealing data from some of Synnovis’s systems.
While the full impact of the data breach is still being investigated, initial reports suggest that the hackers have not accessed the main database where patient test requests and results are stored.
The investigation is ongoing, and it will take some time to understand the full extent of the breach.
NHS England, Synnovis, and the National Crime Agency are working closely together to respond to this attack.
Synnovis is currently conducting a detailed analysis to understand exactly what data has been stolen and who might be affected.
Extra resources have been put in place to ensure that urgent blood samples can still be processed, and laboratories are now able to access historical patient records to help maintain essential services.
Patients are encouraged to continue attending their medical appointments as usual unless they are told otherwise.
If you need urgent care, you should seek it just as you normally would.
The situation is serious, and the High Court has become involved.
A judge has ordered the hackers responsible for the attack to reveal their identities and to either return or delete the stolen data.
This cyber attack, which has been linked to a Russian cyber gang known as Qilin, has caused significant disruption, including the cancellation of over 10,000 NHS appointments.
The investigation into the attack is complex, and it may take several weeks before all the details are clear.
In the meantime, Bromley GP Alliance and NHS England say they are aiming to keep patients informed with regular updates as the situation progresses.
They added that they understand the worry and frustration this causes and are working to resolve the issues as quickly and safely as possible.
