IT issues affect hospital's patient record system

IT problems have hit a hospital trust's electronic patient record system in Birmingham, it's been revealed.

An issue affected Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust for several hours on Friday, the BBC understands.

A resident doctor said patients' results could not be checked and further tests could not be ordered.

In a statement, the trust stressed its "business continuity arrangements are in place to ensure patient care continues safely" and technical teams were working to restore full system access as quickly as possible.

The trust includes Midland Metropolitan University Hospital and an eye hospital that is at City Health Campus.

Sandwell Health Campus and City Health Campus have outpatient clinics and day case surgery.

In its statement, a trust spokesperson said it was " managing a technical issue that is affecting access to our electronic patient record system".

"Clinical teams are operating established contingency processes, including the use of paper records where required, to minimise any impact on services," they said.

"Patients are advised to attend their appointments as normal unless they are contacted directly by the trust."

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