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Major incident declared at hospital over cyber issue

BBC A blue and white NHS sign at the entrance to hospital grounds; the sign reads 'Welcome to Arrowe Park Hospital' BBC
People attending the emergency department are being told to expect delays

A major incident has been declared at a hospital "for cyber security reasons".

In a statement on its website, Wirral University Teaching Hospital said the ongoing incident at the Trust was likely to affect performance at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral.

The hospital has asked people to only attend the site if they have "a genuine emergency".

“The Trust business continuity processes are in place and our focus remains on maintaining patient safety," a hospital spokesperson said.

The statement added: “However, this issue is likely to result in longer waits in the emergency department and assessment areas.

“Please only attend the emergency department if you have a genuine emergency.

“If it’s not an emergency, please visit 111, use a walk-in centre, an urgent treatment centre, a GP or pharmacist."

James Ren was at the hospital with his daughter on Tuesday morning.

He told BBC Radio Merseyside the hospital could not access his daughter's information but he decided to stay and was able to keep the appointment as he had brought a paper copy of her details.

Merseyside Police has confirmed it is not investigating the incident at present.

A man, wearing glasses and a blue anorak, looks directly at the camera. Behind him is a hospital car park.
James Ren, at Arrowe Park Hospital

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