BLOOD tests at hospitals across Mid Essex are “unavailable” after the NHS was hit by a cyber attack last week.

Computer systems were shut down across the area on Friday after the NHS fell victim to a "ransomware" attack.

The Mid Essex Hospital Trust, which runs St Peter’s Hospital in Maldon, Broomfield Hospital, St Michael’s Hospital in Braintree and Christchurch in Chelmsford, worked across the weekend to get affected systems back online.

On Monday issues still remained and blood tests at the four hospitals are “unavailable until further notice”.

In a statement online the trust said: “Following the ransomware attack, the Trust is currently working to ensure that all IT systems affected are brought online again as soon as possible, and thanks patients for their understanding during this time.

“Any clinics or appointments that have needed to be re-scheduled have been done so, and patients advised.

“All blood tests at Broomfield Hospital (Chelmsford), St Michael's (Braintree), St Peter's (Maldon) and Christchurch (Chelmsford) are unavailable until further notice.

“We will, however, be doing emergency blood tests, and a clinical member of staff will be on each site to discuss and review any concerns.”