Harrow GP practices affected by global IT outage

Harrow, along with other areas of North West London, is experiencing significant disruption to GP services due to a global IT outage. NHS England has confirmed that the outage is affecting the majority of GP practices in England, causing considerable disruption to patient care.

A statement from NHS England assured that 999 and emergency services are currently unaffected by the outage. However, IT issues are affecting several practices in Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.

NHS North West London posted a message on social media outlining the extent of the disruption: “Some of our general practice IT systems are affected by an IT outage. The clinical IT systems used by our GPs in Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Dormers Wells in Ealing and Spring Grove in Hounslow are currently unable to access patient records including telephone numbers and email addresses.

The message also highlighted the impact on phone appointments: “Telephone issues may not be possible until this issue is resolved. If you have a telephone appointment booked and the problem is urgent, you are advised to visit the practice or use NHS 111 online.

“If you are expecting a regular prescription, you should visit your pharmacy, who can issue you an urgent prescription covering 3 days. If you need medical advice, please visit your community pharmacist or get help for your symptoms – https://111.nhs.uk/“