Several NHS hospitals in London, including Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, faced severe disruptions following a ransomware attack on Synnovis, formerly known as Viapath. The incident, linked to the Qilin ransomware operation, occurred on June 3, 2024, resulting in the cancellation of over 800 planned surgeries and 700 outpatient appointments.
Emergency services remained operational amidst efforts to mitigate the impact on critical patient care. The attack on Synnovis, a partnership involving SYNLAB UK & Ireland, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, underscored vulnerabilities in healthcare IT systems.
The ransomware crippled essential services such as blood transfusions and testing, prompting NHS officials to manage resources carefully while prioritizing patient safety. Synnovis is actively engaged in restoring its IT infrastructure, with a gradual recovery process expected to span several months.
In response to the ransomware incident, NHS Blood and Transplant issued an urgent appeal for O-positive and O-negative blood donors to replenish critical blood reserves. The plea highlighted the broader impact of cyber threats on healthcare delivery, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures and preparedness in healthcare institutions. As investigations into the attack continue, NHS authorities are working closely with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies to safeguard patient data and prevent future disruptions.
