Cyberattack disrupts operations at Ascension hospitals in MI

ST. LOUIS – A health care provider with 140 hospitals across the country – including 16 in Michigan – says its operations have been disrupted due to a “cybersecurity incident.”

An Ascension spokesperson shared a statement on Thursday, May 9, detailing the cyberattack on its network.

The statement said the cyberattack was first discovered on Wednesday and that they were working to get the systems working again.

“Systems that are currently unavailable include our MyChart electronic health record system (which allows patients to view their medical records and communicate with their providers), some telephone systems, and various systems used to order certain tests, procedures and medications “, the statement reads.

The healthcare provider uses so-called “downtime procedures” to continue operations while its network is restored. Hospital staff will be trained to continue operations without using the network, the healthcare provider said.

Ascension says they expect to “utilize downtime for some time.”

While hospitals are still open and accepting patients, the cybersecurity incident has crippled some services, according to Ascension.

“However, out of an abundance of caution, some non-urgent elective procedures, tests and appointments have been temporarily suspended while we work to bring systems back online. Our teams work directly with any patient whose appointment or procedure needs to be rescheduled.” “We understand the frustration this can cause and sincerely regret the inconvenience to our patients,” said an Ascension spokesperson.

Some hospitals in Ascension’s health network are also warning that their emergency services may not be available.

“Due to downtime, several hospitals are currently diverted to emergency medical services to ensure emergencies are treated immediately. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact 911 and your local emergency medical services provider will transport you to the nearest emergency hospital room.”

Ascension is working with third-party cybersecurity firm Mandiant to investigate and assist in remediation of the network.

The healthcare provider added that it is also working with relevant authorities.

“Should we determine that sensitive information has been affected, we will notify and support those individuals in accordance with all relevant regulatory and legal guidelines,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

You can follow current information about the cybersecurity event here.

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