IT failure causes panic at Swedish hospitals

The Stockholm county council experienced an IT breakdown Saturday, leading staff at the Swedish capital's hospitals to fear for patients' safety.

The technical issue was rectified later in the day but several care facilities were affected, with staff unable to log into their computers to access patient journals.

Ambulance services were also affected.

"It was a serious situation and we had significant disturbances," Anna Nergardh, a head doctor in Stockholm told Swedish Television.

Other medical staff in Stockholm described a chaotic situation, with one nurse, who wised to remain anonymous, saying that the patient journals contain vital information such as blood test results, x-rays, medical referrals and medical histories.

The nurse said that 100 staff members at her work place had to share six computers and had to take notes using pens and paper.

However, Nergardh said the problem was addressed and that patient safety could be upheld. Endit