NHS FORTH VALLEY was "largely unaffected" by the ransomware attack that struck health boards up and down the country last Friday.

Computer systems were brought down across the UK, with medical staff in some areas unable to access patient records.

In parts of Scotland, non-emergency patients were urged not to attend hospitals until the problem was corrected.

However, bosses at NHS Forth Valley said only a handful of practices suffered any ill-effects from the incident.

A spokesperson for the health board said: "We would like to reassure all our patients and staff that NHS Forth Valley was largely unaffected by the cyber attack on Friday May 12.

"A small number of GP practices and a dental practice did experience difficulties and these services have now been restored.

"Our staff have been working throughout the weekend to ensure the safety of our systems and will continue to monitor the situation closely."

The attack took place on Friday afternoon with information encrypted by hackers, denying access until a ransom is paid.

It is thought to be part of a wider effort which affected organisations in almost 100 countries around the world.