Hwel Dda University Health Board (UHB) has shut down all its e-mail systems following Friday’s global cyber-attack.

The ransomewear attack wreaked havoc on businesses and health organsations across the world. In the UK operations were cancelled, test results unavailable and phone sytems out of order.

Hywel Dda UHB stressed that it had not been infected but said today(Saturday) it was strengthening security and shutting down e-mails as a precaution.

A Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed:

"There have so far been no incidents in NHS Wales from the ransomware attack on NHS systems in England and Scotland.

"We have recently invested in upgrading IT to protect potentially vulnerable front-line NHS Wales systems. We have also introduced a national standard for IT security for all GP surgeries in Wales. We continue to monitor the situation closely."

Hywel Dda UHB added:

“Following the global cyber-attack we’re taking extra precautions to keep our patients safe by shutting down our email systems,” said a spokesman.

“We’ve not been infected but have taken this opportunity to strengthen our security as a precaution. If you need to contact our services, please pick up the phone #itsgoodtotalkand please bear with us as our lines will be busier than usual.

“We're really sorry for the inconvenience, but hope you understand why we are taking these measures. Our staff are working extremely hard to provide excellent care despite these technological difficulties.”

The UHB thanked members of the public for their understanding and patience and said it would issue an update on the situation tomorrow (Sunday).