ACCESS to computer systems at GP practices across the Bradford and Craven district has been restored today following a crippling IT outage caused by roadworks.

After the T&A received a report yesterday that a 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 confirmed there had been a break in the fibre network caused by roadworks.

A spokesperson from the Bradford District and Craven CCG said today: “The fibre network connection break has been repaired and our GP practices are now able to access their IT systems again.”

The spokesperson added that the problem appeared to be with practices in Bradford district and Craven and was not further widespread.

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

“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.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.”