GP surgeries in Herefordshire have been left without access to their IT systems after a global outage.

The internet, which runs vital NHS services like patients' clinical records, prescriptions and telephone lines to doctors' surgeries, has been down today (July 19), meaning some appointments cannot go ahead.

A spokesperson for the Wye Valley NHS Trust said: "The NHS is aware of a global IT outage and an issue with EMIS, which is causing disruption in the majority of GP practices.

"The NHS has long-standing measures in place to prevent disruption, including using paper records.

"There is currently no known impact on 999, so people should use this as usual. Patients should attend appointments unless told otherwise."

While urgent appointments and support remain available, GPs have urged patients to use NHS 111 in the first instance before contacting surgeries.

ALSO READ:

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.

Other IT systems have also been affected by the outages, affecting supermarkets, schools and more.

Whitecross school in Hereford posted today: "Our Sims system is down. If your child is absent please call the school."

Shops nationally affected by the outage reportedly include Morrisons, Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Co-Op.