NHS hackers cancelled my cancer test
CYBER ATTACK TEENAGER’S FEARS Gregor, 15, faces new delay after waiting 2 years for answers
A MUM hit out yesterday after the NHS cyber attack forced the cancellation of her son’s long-awaited blood cancer test.
Gregor Kerr, 15, was booked in for an appointment at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie yesterday.
But mum Lorraine got a call saying it could not proceed because of the hacking attack which crippled NHS services across Scotland on Friday.
The ransomware virus, which locked files and demanded payment for access, affected 150 countries.
Thirteen NHS organisations in Scotland were among bodies affected.
Gregor’s scan was to check for cancerous cells in his blood after his red blood cell count and iron levels tested dangerously high.
The East Kilbride teen had been falling asleep in class while studying for his National Five exams and had no energy to continue playing rugby.
Lorraine, 45, said: “We’ve been waiting on this appointment for so long. When I heard about the cyber attack I thought it would be fine as surely they would have paper records but I was told on the phone the NHS are a ‘paperless system’.
“They should have a contingency plan. Now we’re stuck in limbo and still don’t know what’s going on with Gregor when we’ve been trying to get answers for two years. I’m so angry, it’s very worrying.”
Heather Knox, NHS Lanarkshire director of acute services, said: “Unfortunately, due to the cyber attack, we could only undertake emergency scans over the weekend.
“We will be in touch to reschedule and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Scottish Health Secretary Shona Robison has confirmed that there have been no further cyber attacks over the weekend. There is no evidence that suggests patient data has been accessed.
Robison said: “This has been a global cyber attack which has impacted across the world.
“This week’s incident emphasises the importance for all of us to have appropriate measures in place to protect against these kinds of attack.
“We have taken all necessary steps to ensure the cause and nature of this attack is identified and have managed to isolate the issues within the NHS in Scotland.
“Boards are currently working on protecting and restoring those systems where possible, with a view to getting most operational by Monday.”