Details have emerged of how NHS Lanarkshire staff and partners embarked on a heroic team effort to ensure to patient care and safety – in defiance of global hackers.

At NHS Lanarkshire, a specially assembled strategic group, led by chief executive Calum Campbell, quickly made the decision around 4pm to take preventative action to contain the damage by closing down computer systems.

Staff throughout the organisation, including North and South Lanarkshire’s Health and Social Care Partnerships, displayed formidable team spirit to deliver care and ensure patient safety – despite the vast challenges created by the lockdown.

At the centre of the effort was a tireless team of in-house IT professionals, who worked round the clock – sacrificing personal commitments and defying fatigue – to restore vital systems.

Staff from the frontline, as well as many in support roles, also played a crucial role in setting up and running contingency plans.

As a result of the collective efforts, significant progress has been made and the vast majority of outpatient clinics and planned operations went ahead as normal on Monday, 15 May.

Calum Campbell said: “All staff groups have shown outstanding commitment.

“In particular, it should be recognised that NHS Lanarkshire’s eHealth Department has gone above and beyond and worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to restore critical systems and secure the IT infrastructure.

“We maintained access to all three Lanarkshire emergency departments throughout the weekend, for example, working closely with Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

“Whilst staff worked around the clock we acknowledge some patients had operations and appointments cancelled. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and we are endeavouring to rearrange these now.

“I’m incredibly proud of all staff and partners for the team effort and resilience shown to overcome the many local challenges that were thrown up by this significant global incident.”