"NHS Cyberattack Delays Ambulances"
The NHS is currently battling a ransomware attack that has disrupted patient referrals, appointment bookings, and other operations. The health service is working through its incident response process after managed service provider Advanced first detected the malicious activity on Thursday morning. Advanced helps to run NHS 111, a phone and online-based service designed to dispense medical advice for urgent problems. The NHS has sought to play down the seriousness of the incident, claiming that 111 is still available to patients. The health secretary, Steve Barclay stated that the incident impacted services across all parts of the UK. Barklay noted that the ransomware attack has affected not only patient referrals but also ambulances being dispatched, out-of-hours appointment bookings, and emergency prescriptions. It was warned that family doctors could see a surge in patients due to problems with NHS 111.