COMPUTER issues affected GP surgeries across Hereford this week.

Hereford Medical Group reported on Monday that an IT issue meant four of their sites did not have access to computers, causing extended delays for those ordering prescriptions.

The GP group confirmed yesterday that the issue was ongoing at six of their sites.

Staff at Sarum House, Bobblestock, Aylestone Hill, Credenhill, South Wye Medical Centre and Moorfield House remain unable to access patient records on site.

A Hereford Medical Group Spokesperson said: "We are continuing to see patients routinely as we have been able to print patient summaries at the sites which have computer access and take these to the affected sites.

"We are operating urgent care from other sites, due to the computer issues at Moorfield House, and those patients who need to be seen today will be seen.

"Our Care Navigation Centre is still open.

"However, we would ask that only patients who have a matter that has to be dealt with today contact us.

"If patients need clinical advice for minor illnesses, please consider visiting your local pharmacist who may be able to assist. If they cannot, then they will advise you to contact Hereford Medical Group."

A number of county surgeries outside of the Hereford Medical Group were also understood to be experiencing computer problems.

Belmont Medical Centre practice manager Sue Matthews confirmed that the Eastholme Avenue based surgery was also unable to access patient records.

"We are seeing patients to the best of our abilities," she said.

A Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group spokesperson said: "Herefordshire CCG has been made aware that a number of Herefordshire GP practices have been affected by a network problem which emerged late yesterday and has continued onto this morning.

"This means that affected practices are unable to access patient records in the normal way. All practices have business continuity plans in place and patients are advised to attend their scheduled appointments unless contacted directly by their practice.

"This includes Cradley Surgery, Hereford Medical Group (Sarum House, Moorfield House, Aylestone Hill, South Wye, Bobblestock sites), Credenhill Surgery, Staunton-on-Wye (Weobley surgery branch), Hampton Dene Surgery (Cantilupe surgery branch), Alton Street, Belmont Medical Centre, Orleton Surgery (Kingsland surgery branch) and Pendeen Surgery.

"Hoople Ltd, the IT service provider Herefordshire GP practices are currently working with EMIS and the network provider to resolve the issues as quickly they can."

Herefordshire CCG has confirmed that the network issue is now resolved and staff are able to access patient records in the normal way.