Microsoft outage: Change to GP services in Wiltshire

GP services are being affected <i>(Image: Getty Images)</i>
GP services are being affected (Image: Getty Images)
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Patients at GP surgeries across Swindon and Wiltshire are being warned of ongoing disruption to daily services due to a global Microsoft outage.

The problems are due to an IT issue affecting Microsoft systems in at least 74 countries.

Eldene Surgery in Swindon has warned patients about delays to online consultations, text messages, and appointment reminders as a result of the technical issues.

A spokesperson for the surgery said: "The outage may cause delays with online consultations. Responses to online consultation requests may be delayed.

"We may be unable to send text messages or important patient updates. Text reminders may be delayed or not received.

Cricklade Surgery has been put into special measures by the CQC.GP services are being affected (Image: Getty Images)

"There may be delays in receiving and processing hospital correspondence. Discharge information, including medication changes and follow-up instructions, may take longer to reach the practice.

"Our ability to prepare and process referral forms may be affected. There may be delays in preparing and sending clinical and administrative correspondence.

"Other administrative requests and some routine tasks may take longer than usual."

The spokesperson has advised patients to use alternative methods of contact in urgent cases.

They said: "If you are awaiting a response to an online consultation or an important text message, please be aware this may take longer than usual.

"For urgent medical concerns that cannot wait, please telephone the practice.

"In a life-threatening emergency, call 999."

The outage was first reported on Thursday evening, November 12, and has been linked to "elevated load" on Microsoft's infrastructure.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is not a cyber-security incident, and there is no evidence to suggest malicious activity is involved.

Schools, businesses, police forces, courts, hospitals and more are all being affected.

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