Message from David Carruthers, Medical Director and Rachel Barlow, Chief Operating Officer – Update on Critical Internal IT Incident

May 30, 2018

Today at Sandwell site there was a critical failure of IT systems related to the network and how data distribution occurred from central servers (which remained functional) to peripheral computers. This meant that in most but not all areas at Sandwell site, clinical systems and telephones were not available from 11.30hrs until 16.15hrs. Business continuity plans were put in place to maintain clinical care but for safety reasons some elective activity was cancelled. The impact of delayed and cancelled activity will be reviewed as a priority.

A detailed root cause analysis of why this IT failure occurred will be undertaken and robust procedures put in place to stop future similar events. Many thanks to all involved in safely managing this critical incident and sincere apologies to all those affected by this IT failure. Patients whose care was impacted will be rebooked within 24 hours. This is one of a series of recent IT episodes affecting clinical work flow that we hoped had been resolved and will need further urgent review and planning to stop being repeated. More information will be provided when available.

David Carruthers, Medical Director and Rachel Barlow, Chief Operating Officer