Cancer Treatment Delayed by Virus

Event Year: 2006 Reliability: Confirmed
Country: United Kingdom
Industry Type: Other
Description:

Two out of four linear accelerators were out of action for two days.

The machines, which did not have anti-viral software installed, were hit by the virus when they were connected to the hospital computer system.

The machines are connected to the computer system to allow the hospital to send electronic images from radiotherapy around the hospital, instead of using film.

Impact:

More than 80 cancer patients have had their radiotherapy delayed .

Staff had to run extra clinics over the weekend to clear the backlog.

Action Description: The hospital said it would be discussing the situation with the manufacturer of the linear accelerators.