The majority of GP practices in south west Hertfordshire have been affected by the global Microsoft IT outage.

In a statement published at 12.30pm today (July 19), Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) confirmed the disruption and said measures such as using paper records and handwritten prescriptions were being used.

Patients who were intending to contact their GP today about routine health issues are asked to wait until next week when they "hope to have systems back up and running".

Urgent treatment centres in Hertfordshire are expected to be "particularly busy" throughout the day, with patients warned of a "long wait" if they need to attend.

West Herts NHS Trust, which covers hospitals the hospitals in Watford, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans, said: "We have only experienced a minor impact to our IT services following today’s global IT outage. 

"Our patient services are up and running and you should still attend appointments as usual. We will keep you informed if this changes."

The ICB spokesperson added: "There may be some delays and your patience will be appreciated. Practices that are affected are contacting patients to keep them informed.

"Please be patient with NHS staff in all services who are working hard to support patients at this challenging time."

There is currently no known impact on NHS 999 calls, so people should call 999 in a life or limb-threatening emergency, as usual.

Health advice can be found at www.nhs.uk or by visiting NHS 111 online.