A global Microsoft outage is affecting some of our digital communications systems across the NHS in Essex, including Outlook email and Microsoft Teams.
This may mean that some NHS services, including GP practices, are unable to receive or respond to emails as quickly as usual.
NHS teams are working to minimise disruption and maintain services for patients.
Advice for patients
Patients should continue to attend scheduled NHS appointments as normal unless contacted directly and advised otherwise.
If you need medical help, please continue to use the usual NHS services:
- For urgent medical help: Use NHS 111 online or call 111.
- For life-threatening emergencies: Call 999.
Temporary telephone number for health and care providers
We have set up a temporary telephone number for health and care providers who need to make referrals or have urgent patient-related enquiries while email services are disrupted.
If you work for a health or care provider, including a care home or domiciliary care service, please call 01245 398748.
This number is intended for health and care providers only and should not be used for general public enquiries.
Keeping you updated
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this disruption and thank residents and health and care partners for their patience and understanding.
We will update this page as more information becomes available.