BASILDON Hospital’s IT department has been commended for its response to the NHS cyber attack.

In May, an unprecedented “ransomware breach” froze computers across the health service, with hackers threatening to delete files unless a ransom was paid.

However, patients at Basildon Hospital remained unaffected. Representatives from the department collected an excellence award on behalf of the 30-strong team.

Clare Culpin, managing director, said: “The quick, calm response from the IT team protected the Trust’s computer systems from possible damage from the cyber-attack. When the alert was raised, the team swung into action and contingency plans already in place were initiated. Their swift response was fantastic.”