Responding to the new strategy announced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to bolster its defence against cyber attacks, Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive at NHS Providers said:

"Trust leaders will welcome this step to address the threat of cyber attacks, which pose a risk to patients. Keeping patients safe is their number one priority.

"As digital working in the NHS expands, these types of security measures are vital.

"Many trust leaders have had National Cyber Security Centre board training and are working hard to meet statutory and recommended standards.

"However, trusts need adequate funding to properly address the growing risk of cyber attacks, which includes updating old and unsupported legacy software."