A MAJOR global IT outage is affecting businesses across the world and is disrupting transport and medical practices.

Institutions worldwide have reported computer issues disrupting services, with some airlines warning of delays and some airports grounding flights.

Cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike confirmed the issue came from a 'defect' in a content update for its Microsoft Windows users, resulting in flights being grounded, health care services affected and online payment systems shut down.

GP practices in Barrow are struggling to access their records systems and book appointments.

Atkinson Health Centre GP Surgery on Duke Street used their social media to communicate their technological struggles. They explained their IT company is working on it as a 'matter of urgency'.

It added: "Until it is fixed we are unable to access our clinical records systems. Please bear with us during this time and we apologise for any inconvenience."

The Mail tried to contact this surgery but the line was unavailable saying: "The surgery is currently closed due to an unforeseen emergency. Please try again later."

Bridgegate Medical Centre said if is urgent to call 111 and in case of any emergencies call 999.

In a statement on social media, the Barrow centre said: "Please be aware there is a national issue with the computer systems and we are unable to access the appointments book or patients records.

Duke Street Surgery urged people to not call the surgery as they are unable to book appointments and access patients' medical records.

In a statement on social media the surgery said: "Sorry for any inconvenience caused, we will keep you updated."

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said any form of IT outage 'is a serious concern'.

She said: “Our members are telling us that today’s outage is causing considerable disruption to GP practice bookings and IT systems – practices using EMIS IT systems appear to be particularly affected.

“Any form of disruption to our digital systems is a serious concern for GPs as it directly impacts on the care we can give to our patients. Outages like this affect our access to important clinical information about our patients, as well as our ability to book tests, make referrals, and inform the most appropriate treatment plan.”

She urged patients to 'bear with' GPs until the issue is resolved.

“We urge all patients to please bear with us and if their issue isn’t urgent then to try and wait until the outage has been resolved. We advise patients to check their practice’s website and social media for relevant information and updates if their IT systems are down.

“We really hope that the problems can be resolved quickly and that services are restored to normal as soon as possible.”

An NHS England spokesperson said: “The NHS is aware of a global IT outage and an issue with EMIS, an appointment and patient record system, which is causing disruption in the majority of GP practices.

“The NHS has long standing measures in place to manage the disruption, including using paper patient records and handwritten prescriptions, and the usual phone systems to contact your GP.

“There is currently no known impact on 999 or emergency services, so people should use these services as they usually would.

“Patients should attend appointments unless told otherwise. Only contact your GP if it’s urgent, and otherwise please use 111 online or call 111″.