Chaos Ensues at Ascension Hospitals After Cyberattack: Patients Left in Limbo
Title: Cyberattack on Ascension Hospitals Causes Chaos in Patient Care
Nearly two weeks after a ransomware attack on May 8 crippled the computer network of Ascension, the nation’s largest Catholic health system, employees at Ascension’s Michigan hospitals are still grappling with the aftermath. Patients are facing significant delays and potential risks due to the ongoing tech system outage.
According to reports from Ascension doctors and a nurse who spoke anonymously to the Free Press, medical orders are being written on paper and faxed, leading to hours-long delays in testing for critically ill patients. Some patients have even received the same medical record numbers, raising concerns about the accuracy of their test results.
The disruption caused by the cyberattack has forced healthcare workers to resort to unofficial digital workarounds like Google documents and text messages, resulting in confusion and potential patient safety issues. The situation has left both patients and healthcare providers frustrated and anxious about the impact on patient care.
Ascension, based in St. Louis, has not provided clear answers about when the systems will be fully restored or addressed concerns raised by employees about patient safety. The health system is working with cybersecurity experts to investigate the attack and determine the extent of any compromised information.
Patients like Chris Short, a disabled veteran, have been left scrambling to find alternative pharmacies to fill their prescriptions, while others, like Catherine from Dearborn, are anxiously waiting for critical test results amidst the chaos.
The ongoing disruption has highlighted the vulnerabilities in healthcare systems when faced with cyberattacks, with one physician likening the situation to being in the “Stone Ages.” The lack of transparency and communication from Ascension has added to the frustration and uncertainty for both patients and healthcare providers.
As the situation continues to unfold, patients are advised to bring detailed information to medical appointments, seek alternative pharmacies for prescriptions, and be prepared for delays in diagnostic testing and appointments. The impact of the cyberattack on Ascension’s operations and patient care underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in the healthcare industry.