Global IT Glitch Hits South East England, Disrupting Travel and Services
A major IT problem is causing disruptions across South East England, affecting everything from travel to healthcare. According to BBC, the issue is widespread, hitting places like Dover Port and Gatwick Airport just as many people are preparing for school holidays.
Gatwick Airport reported problems with its IT systems early on, leading to delays and frustrations for passengers. By Friday evening, the airport said most issues were resolved but warned there could still be delays over the weekend. The airport is now operating almost normally but advises travelers to check with their airlines for updates.
Dover Port also experienced IT issues, leading to delays and queues, especially with CCTV and check-in systems. The port is managing the situation with manual processes and expects to return to normal soon.
The problem has also impacted the Dartford Crossing’s payment system, though the rest of the technology seems unaffected.
Govia Thameslink, which manages trains in the area, reported IT issues affecting their network. They’re investigating and advised passengers to check their travel plans frequently.
Healthcare services are not immune. Royal Surrey County Hospital declared a critical incident because its IT system for radiotherapy treatments is down. Patients have been contacted to reschedule appointments.
South East Coast Ambulance Service has managed to continue responding to emergencies despite the IT outage, though the 999 and 111 services are still under pressure.
GP surgeries and pharmacies are also facing disruptions. Some are unable to answer calls or access their systems. Patients are advised to attend appointments unless they are specifically informed otherwise.
The global IT outage highlights how vulnerable our systems are and how dependent we are on them. As the situation improves, the focus will be on fixing these issues and preventing future disruptions.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c84j3yrelx1o