HOSPITAL staff have been praised for their professionalism during last week’s international cyber-attack.

Computer systems across the East Lancashire Hospital Trust (EHLT) came to a standstill after ‘ransomware’ had infiltrated the NHS.

Several non-essential operations were cancelled the following day as the extent of the attack was understood.

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust chief executive Kevin McGee said everyone involved deserved a huge pat on the back.

He said: “Here at ELHT I am grateful for the enormous efforts of all our fabulous staff who responded to this incident in the most professional way.

“As a result, disruption was minimised, service continued and harm avoided.

“However, there was inconvenience.

“People’s jobs were made incredibly difficult and their ability to go about their business, providing safe, personal and effective care, was hampered.

“Patients had to wait longer, diagnostic tests were delayed, procedures postponed.”

NHS chiefs declared the attack ‘a major incident’ but said clinical care at the likes of the Royal Blackburn, Burnley General and Accrington Victoria hospitals was not compromised

National newspapers had reported bypass surgery and transplants were abandoned by EHLT, however Mr McGee said those operations were not performed at the hospital.

Mr McGee said: “Today I find myself in the very welcome position of reflecting on this and concluding that our staff, all of them, are amazing.

“As always, team ELHT delivered. The way they responded was nothing short of fantastic, thank you everyone.

“I offer my sincerest apologies to all patients who suffered any kind of inconvenience and hope they understand.”