A GP practice in Dorset was affected by a massive, nationwide cyber attack.

A spokesman for Dorset CCG confirmed that one device at one GP surgery in Dorset was affected, although the incident has had 'little impact'.

They have not confirmed which surgery was affected.

Dorset County Hospital was unaffected, as reported by the dorset Echo on Friday.

It comes as the Rural Services Network warns that the attack may have affected rural GP surgeries.

The spokesman for Dorset CCG said: "We are pleased to confirm that the Ransomware attack has had little impact on the health community in Dorset, however we continue to be vigilant.

"Local and national partners are working closely together to minimise any further risk including ensuring anti-virus software is up to date, software patches are installed where needed and information is available for staff.

"Emergency 999 services remain fully operational and NHS 111, the non-emergency service, is also unaffected. 

"If you have a scheduled appointment you are advised to attend as normal unless you are told otherwise."

RSN chief executive Graham Biggs said: "This is an extremely worrying situation for rural patients and for small rural practices which operate on a limited budget."

Much of the media attention had focused on the impact of the cyberattack on larger hospitals, said Mr Biggs.

But it was important to remember that smaller surgeries had also been affected – including in sparsely populated rural areas.

While some practices were not directly attacked by the cyber-attack, some network connections to data servers and the Internet were affected.

This left GP practices unable to access any patient data – prompting pleas for patients to attend surgery only if their need is urgent.

Mr Biggs said: "It is vital that NHS trusts invest adequately in cyber security as they seek to protect themselves against future attacks."