Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) is continuing to keep its e-mail systems shut down following Friday’s global cyber-attack.

The ransom wear attack wreaked havoc on businesses and health organisations across the world. In the UK operations were cancelled, test results unavailable and phone systems out of order.

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

It confirmed today (Sunday) that its e-mail systems would remain closed.

“We've been working all weekend to strengthen our IT security following the global cyber-attack,” said a spokesman.

“Whilst we've not been infected we are taking extra precautions to keep our patients safe, one of which is to keep our email systems shut down until we are confident there is no further risk.

“If you need to contact our services, please pick up the phone and please bear with us as our lines will be busier than usual. We're really sorry for the inconvenience, but we hope that you understand why we are taking these measures.

“Our staff continue to work extremely hard to provide the best possible care for everyone who needs us, despite these technological challenges. Thank you for helping us to protect Hywel Dda so that we can keep our patients and our systems safe”

The UHB said it would provide a further update on the situation tomorrow (Monday).