A GLOBAL IT outage has lead to disruption across the world this morning (Friday, July 19), with services at GP surgeries across the UK being affected.

The outage has caused long queues at Luton Airport with extended wait times at Edinburgh Airport.

Gatwick, the UK’s second busiest airport, issued a warning over delays at check-in desks and security and train services have also been disrupted.

GP surgeries and pharmacies are also affected with the outage potentially leading to delays as patients can't be seen.

In North Wales, Rowlands Pharmacy branches, including Conwy and Rhyl,  have shared a statement for all patients.

It reads: "Please be aware that the worldwide IT problem currently affecting many businesses is also affecting all Rowlands Pharmacies too.

"We currently have no access to our computers at all. This means we cannot dispense medication, check if we have received a script, label prescriptions or order medication for you through the surgery.

"PLEASE only come into the pharmacy to collect your medication if you have received a text saying it is ready."

GP surgeries across the country affected by major IT outage. We anticipate this could last for many hours. Please bear with us during this challenging time.

— Wilmslow Health Centre (@WilmslowHealth) July 19, 2024
The EMIS Web system is the most widely used clinical system for primary care in the UK and it enables GP practices to book appointments, examine records and includes a clinical decision support tool as well as helping with admin.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Wilmslow Health Centre in Cheshire posted: "All practices in the UK using the NHS commissioned GP computer system EMIS are currently without access to their IT systems. This is beyond the control of GP surgeries. Please bear with us until we have our IT systems back online."

A spokesperson for Rowlands Pharmacy in Llangollen, said: "️Unfortunately due to a worldwide IT outage we are unable to access our computers, so we are unable to issue any prescriptions until further notice."

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) confirmed the IT outage is disrupting community pharmacies too.

A spokesperson said: “We’re aware that due to global IT outages that services in community pharmacies, including the accessing of prescriptions from GPs and medicine deliveries, are disrupted today.

“We urge patients to be patient whilst visiting their pharmacy."

The matter is being urgently raised with NHS England and Wales.