As first reported by Digital Health, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC) has raised concerns over its vulnerability to cyber attacks due to outdated software, resource limitations, and increasing digital dependency. A board paper published on 5 June 2025 highlighted the risk of incidents such as ransomware or spyware due to unpatched systems and a lack of compliance with current cybersecurity standards. The trust acknowledged that such vulnerabilities could lead to data breaches, service outages, and reputational harm.
During a board meeting, Chris Holt, chief transformation officer at BCHC, described the cybersecurity risk as “broad in scope,” noting both the increasing number of threats and the trust’s growing reliance on digital technologies. Non-executive director Chichi Abraham-Igwe reinforced that a shortage of cyber-specific skills, infrastructure, and protections posed a significant threat. Among the gaps identified were aging hardware, insufficient cyber team resources, and a lack of oversight regarding software access across user groups.
Chris Holt, Chief Transformation Officer, BCHC. Source: bhamcommunity.nhs.uk.
Despite these challenges, BCHC has implemented several measures to improve its cyber resilience. The trust now has a dedicated cyber lead, a third-party firm managing firewalls and threat monitoring, and mandatory annual data security training for all staff. Shafiq Khalifa, deputy director of digital services, affirmed the organisation’s commitment to cybersecurity, citing their improving exposure score as evidence. The trust’s cyber risk exposure score dropped from 55 in February to 20 in April 2025, suggesting enhanced control over vulnerabilities.
A wider reminder of NHS cyber fragility
The spotlight on BCHC’s cybersecurity preparedness follows a serious incident elsewhere in the NHS. A ransomware attack on Synnovis, a pathology system provider, in June 2024 caused extensive disruption across London hospitals. The attack led to over 10,000 outpatient appointments and more than 1,700 elective procedures being postponed at major NHS trusts, and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has since confirmed that one patient death was linked to the cyber breach. The case underscores the potentially life-threatening consequences of digital system failures in modern healthcare environments.
The Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s recent cybersecurity review reflects the urgent need for healthcare organisations to strengthen their digital defences. While improvements have been made, the sector continues to face mounting cyber threats, as seen in the Synnovis breach’s devastating impact. As NHS providers become increasingly reliant on interconnected systems, proactive investment in cybersecurity, staff training, and infrastructure renewal will be crucial to safeguarding both patient data and care continuity.
