Russian cyber attack on hospitals ‘contributed to patient death'
King's College Hospital, in south London, said that a patient died 'unexpectedly' during the cyber attack.
And an investigation into the death found a 'number of contributing factors' including a 'long wait for a blood test result due to the cyber attack'.
Pathology services provider Synnovis was the victim of a ransomware attack by a Russian cyber gang in June last year.
As a result more than 10,000 appointments were cancelled at the two London NHS trusts that were worst affected.
And a significant number of GP practices in London were unable to order blood tests for their patients.
A King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: 'One patient sadly died unexpectedly during the cyber-attack.
'As is standard practice when this happens, we undertook a detailed review of their care.
'The patient safety incident investigation identified a number of contributing factors that led to the patient's death.
'This included a long wait for a blood test result due to the cyber attack impacting pathology services at the time.
'We have met with the patient's family, and shared the findings of the safety investigation with them.'
Earlier this month health officials confirmed that 170 patients have suffered harm as a result of the attack.
Mark Dollar, chief executive of Synnovis, said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear that last year's criminal cyber attack has been identified as one of the contributing factors that led to this patient's death.
'Our hearts go out to the family involved.'
A Government spokesperson said: 'Our deepest sympathies are with the family of the patient.
'This tragedy is a reminder of the threat Russia poses to our day-to-day life and how serious the consequences of these attacks can be to our critical infrastructure.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
21 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Brain-eating parasite in salad bag as food poisoning rises
Research has highlighted potentially-deadly contamination fears, following 3,320 salad samples between October 2021 and September 2022 and found that over 4 per cent of the leaves were contaminated with toxoplasma gondii oocysts. The contamination has now been reported across 10 European countries including the UK, the study, published in the journal Eurosurveillance found. The research says: "The parasite Toxoplasma gondii can cause severe disease in humans. People can acquire the parasite by eating raw or undercooked infected meat or unwashed fruits or vegetables contaminated with the parasite. "We wanted to investigate T. gondii in commercial ready-to eat (RTE) salads in European countries to estimate the importance of these food products as sources of T. gondii." This bacteria can be passed on by digesting cat faeces, which can contaminate food and water, making salad that is washed or watered with dirty water a prime place for bacteria. Other research reported this week showed that the bacteria "can seriously disrupt the brain function of intermediate hosts, potentially including humans". Research by the National Institute of Health has previously said that half of the UK population show signs of past infection by the age of 50, and once acquired, parasites remain in human tissues for life. It can then cause a problem later in life for people who have a weakened immune system, which can happen during treatment for cancer or while taking immunosuppressant drugs. According to the Food Standards Agency, you should always "wash fruit and vegetables with water before you eat them to make sure that they are clean. You should wash them under a running tap, or in a bowl of fresh water, making sure to rub their skin under the water." Recommended reading: Symptoms of toxoplasmosis According to the NHS website, toxoplasmosis does not usually cause any symptoms and most people do not know they've had it. Some people may have flu-like symptoms such as: high temperature headache sore throat aching body swollen glands feeling tired feeling sick or being sick Some people may have more serious symptoms including: confusion blurred vision slurred speech unsteady walking The NHS adds that toxoplasmosis is not usually serious and normally gets better on its own. But it can cause serious problems if you: get it while you're pregnant have a weakened immune system – for example, if you have HIV or are having chemotherapy have more severe symptoms such as confusion, blurred vision or slurred speech If you have a weakened immune system toxoplasmosis may cause problems with your eyes, brain, heart or lungs.
Glasgow Times
22 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Health warning as Salmonella cases linked to cheese rise
Salmonella and Campylobacter cases have soared according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). These infections are usually caught by eating contaminated food such as poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, as well as unpasteurised milk or cheese. People can die from them via dehydration or if the bacteria enters the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis — a life-threatening reaction. In response to the surge in cases, the health officials have reminded businesses and households of important food safety measures. Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA says: "Our extensive surveillance is showing high levels of gastrointestinal infections in England. We continue to work closely with partners to detect, investigate and halt the spread of infections. "These infections spread in many ways, including through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person as well as contact with an infected animal or their environment. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet or handling raw meat, before meals and after contact with animals or farms can prevent infections. Planning a BBQ this weekend? Food poisoning can easily become an unwelcome guest. Follow good food hygiene practices, such as washing your hands, cooking meat properly, and avoiding cross-contamination. More info on food poisoning: — NHS (@NHSuk) June 20, 2025 "Additionally, anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others. Do not return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery, until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided." Young children, elderly adults and those with weakened immune systems should take extra care as they are at higher risk of developing severe illness. The new data says Campylobacter cases have increased by 17.1% from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024, reaching 121.9 reports per 100,000 population. This represents the highest number of cases recorded in the past decade. Adults aged 50 to 79 years account for 44% of all reports. Similarly, Salmonella infections reached a decade high, with a 17.1% increase from 2023, rising from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 cases in 2024. Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5% of cases. UKHSA and Food Standard Agency (FSA) experts are investigating further with partner agencies to understand the reasons behind this increase in Salmonella and Campylobacter cases. Cases of the parasite Cryptosporidium decreased by 16.4% compared to 2023, with 5,708 cases reported in 2024, although this was the second highest number of cases reported in the past decade. The number of infections in April 2024 were unusually high, associated with large outbreaks linked to lambing events and petting farm venues, and an outbreak in South Devon associated with mains water. The 2023 data for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) shows a slight decrease of 2.2% compared to 2022 overall. How do I know if I have food poisoning? All these gastrointestinal infections can cause similar symptoms, including diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach pains and cramps, vomiting and mild fever. While most people recover within one to two weeks of infection, young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks of developing serious illness or complications. In severe cases, STEC can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition primarily affecting the kidneys. Dr James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, says: "Public safety is our highest priority. The FSA works closely with UKHSA and other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data. We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in Campylobacter and Salmonella cases, as well as trends in other pathogens. This analysis will help us take the necessary action to protect public health. "We've launched a new campaign to help people stay safe - find out more on We're also working with industry and local authorities to support businesses to meet their legal responsibility to make sure food is safe. Consumers can further protect themselves by checking Food Hygiene Ratings on When preparing food at home, people can reduce their risk of food poisoning by following good hygiene practices and by following advice on the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination. Recommended reading: How can I avoid food poisoning? The FSA has put out this advice. Following good food hygiene and the 4Cs when preparing food can help protect you and others from food poisoning:
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Adults living with chronic pain cite long NHS waiting times among reasons for not getting treated
Plus, things you can try at home to reduce pain PAIN GAME Adults living with chronic pain cite long NHS waiting times among reasons for not getting treated Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOUR in five people living with chronic pain are hiding their condition – held back by stigma, ineffective treatments, and long NHS waiting times, it's been found. Research of 4,000 adults found 54 per cent of those not seeking support blamed long waits for treatment via the health service. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Stigma, ineffective treatments, and long NHS waiting times are among the reasons why people live with chronic pain Credit: Getty Nearly half (45 per cent) are suffering in silence due to scepticism from friends, family, and colleagues. Meanwhile, 40 per cent worry about appearing "weak", and 33 per cent simply don't want to be a burden. Among those who have sought help, 17 per cent reported that traditional treatments aren't working, leaving 41 per cent desperate for alternative pain management options. The research was commissioned for Curaleaf Clinic's Pain Unmasked campaign, which aims to expose the hidden realities of living with chronic pain. Dr Simon Erridge, research director at the medical cannabis clinic, said: 'With traditional treatments failing many, chronic pain patients are left suffering in silence. 'Evidence for medical cannabis is growing, and demand is rising - we have seen a 34 per cent increase in chronic pain patients in the last year - yet many still don't know how to access it. 'Greater awareness and support are needed to ensure patients get the treatment they deserve." It is estimated that close to 28 million people in the UK suffer from chronic pain conditions, and the emotional toll is severe. Everyday activities like sleeping (44 per cent), exercising (40 per cent), socialising (28 per cent), and maintaining relationships (15 per cent) are significantly impacted. And one in five (20 per cent) experience isolation due to their pain. Millions of women live life according to their menstrual cycle, study shows To highlight these hidden struggles, Curaleaf Clinic's campaign brings chronic pain sufferers' experiences to life through art. Collaborating with artist Hayley Wall and three pain sufferers – influencer Mesha Moinirad (CORR), and patients Fran Taylor and Ryan Swanepoel (CORR) – the campaign transforms real pain into physical masks, revealing the emotional burden of masking their condition. Ryan Swanepoel, who has limb girdle muscular dystrophy, a condition which causes weakness and wasting of the muscles around the hips and shoulders, said: "For years, I kept the full extent of my pain hidden - it felt like no one truly understood or knew how to manage it. 'I tried traditional treatments, but they changed who I was and carried risks that made long-term use impossible. 'It wasn't until I discovered medical cannabis that I finally found some form of relief. It's transformed my life, and more people deserve to know this option is out there.' Fran Taylor, who is living with endometriosis, added: 'Endometriosis has controlled my life for 12 years, leaving me waiting endlessly for effective treatment. 3 Ryan Swanepoel lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy 3 Fran Taylor is living with endometriosis 'I was dismissed and misunderstood for so long, feeling completely isolated. Pain shouldn't be suffered in silence - we need to speak up, advocate for ourselves, and get the support we deserve.' Opioids have been one of the most commonly prescribed medications for chronic pain, but only 39 per cent of patients find prescription painkillers such as these most effective. Nearly as many (33 per cent) are now finding alternative therapies like acupuncture, creative therapies (e.g. painting, sculpture) and medical cannabis provide the most relief. However, despite the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018, awareness and access remain major barriers - with 16 per cent of sufferers unaware it is legal and 18 per cent unsure how to access it. Nearly a third of pain patients (30 per cent) would like to speak to their GP about medical cannabis as a treatment option and 26 per cent would be open to trying it if available on the NHS. Dr Simon Erridge added: 'We provide evidence-backed insights to campaign for greater availability. 'Government support is critical to expanding access for current and future patients. 'Without funding for research and the political will to help medical cannabis patients, progress towards NHS access has stalled. 'No one should be left struggling when potential solutions exist."
