We have become aware that one of our email mailboxes – website@phin.org.uk – has been accessed inappropriately and used to send malicious spam emails. Please delete any emails received from this mailbox and do not click on any links.

We take security extremely seriously and maintain strict processes to limit the vulnerability of our systems to attack. We have secured the mailbox and an investigation is underway.

A very small number of legitimate website users have potentially been affected by this incident, where email addresses may have been visible to the hacker. At this stage there is no evidence that those email addresses have been targeted in any way. No other mailboxes or systems have been affected. All patient data and consultant information is held on different systems that remain unaffected.

We offer sincere apologies to anyone potentially impacted by this breach. We have informed the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) and will be contacting anyone potentially impacted over the next few days.

For queries please contact press@phin.org.uk