AXREM, the UK trade association representing the interests of suppliers of diagnostic medical imaging, radiotherapy, healthcare IT and care equipment including patient monitoring in the UK, has published its position paper.
The position paper, Strengthening Cyber Security in UK Healthcare: A Strategic Approach for Continuity and Resilience, addresses the critical cyber security challenges in UK healthcare, enhancing awareness and bolstering strategic continuity planning across healthcare organisations.
With the recent cyber-attack on the NHS, this is very timely and much needed.
In response to the attack, NHS England London declared a regional incident and continues to coordinate work across affected services, as well as with neighbouring providers and national partners to manage disruption.
Our members have produced this informative paper using their expertise to highlight the concerns they have
AXREM recently welcomed the announcement of a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill in the Kings speech, which will expand the remit of the existing regulation, putting regulators on a stronger footing and increasing reporting requirements to build a better picture in government of cyber threats.
The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences, ensuring that critical infrastructure and the digital services that companies rely on are secure.
Cyber security is one of AXREM’s key strategic priorities as the healthcare IT sector, with its complex digital infrastructure and critical service nature, stands as a prime target in the evolving cyber threat landscape, offering numerous entry points for exploitation by malicious actors.
In response to the attack, NHS England London declared a regional incident and continues to coordinate work across affected services
AXREM advocates for a holistic national cyber security strategy that includes government collaboration, partnerships with the private sector, and strong campaigns to increase public awareness.
Sally Edgington, AXREM CEO, said upon the paper being published: “Our members have produced this informative paper using their expertise to highlight the concerns they have."
"Never before has the threat of a cyber-attack been so high, so we must all work together to ensure we assist the government and NHS in minimising the risks of an attack," Edgington warned. "In the event of a cyber-attack, we must work together to ensure patients can continue to be treated and their personal information is protected.”
AXREM members supply the majority of diagnostic medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment installed in UK hospitals.
