ACCESS to computer systems at GP practices across the Bradford and Craven district has been crippled today due to an IT outage caused by road construction work.

After the T&A received a report that one practice was not taking any patients because they could not access their booking system or patient records, a spokesperson for the Bradford District and Craven CCG explained that there had been a break in the fibre network caused by roadworks.

Dr James Thomas, clinical chair of Bradford District and Craven CCG, said: “We have experienced IT issues at GP practices in Bradford district and Craven today.

“Some surgeries have limited access to their computer systems and have asked patients whose concerns are urgent, to use the NHS 111 service which is available online and over the phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The IT outage is a result of road construction work that has caused a break in the fibre network. A repair and replacement plan in now underway.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused and will update patients as soon as we can.”