Ascension Health Cyber Attack Continues to Disrupt Patient Services

Ascension Health is facing a major cyber attack that has caused a system shutdown, impacting services for patients across the nation. TMJ4’s Mariam Mackar is closely following the situation on day two of the data breach, reporting that patients are still being turned away from appointments.

Viewers have reached out to TMJ4, sharing their experiences of missed appointments for CT scans, mammograms, and difficulties in picking up prescriptions. The cyber attack has taken down phone and computer access for health care facilities, forcing medical professionals to resort to taking patient notes by hand.

Cyber-security expert Alex Holden believes the attack resembles a ransomware incident, with potential severe consequences. Patients are left in the dark about the security of their personal information and the duration of the system shutdown.

One impacted patient, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her frustration with the situation. She recounted driving to her clinic for an important appointment, only to be turned away due to the system outage. Scheduled for an ultrasound and secondary mammogram following an abnormal reading on her annual scan, she expressed concern about the delay in her follow-up care.

The Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals issued a statement highlighting the significant impact of the loss of electronic health records on patient care, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution.

As the situation unfolds, TMJ4 News encourages viewers to share their stories, tips, or comments on the matter. The news outlet remains committed to addressing issues that matter to the community and invites engagement through various platforms.

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In the face of this cyber attack, the healthcare industry grapples with the challenges of maintaining patient care and data security. Stay tuned for updates on the evolving situation and its impact on Ascension Health and its patients.