Published Dec 14, 2023 • Last updated 13 hours ago • 1 minute read
Strides towards restoring online patient charting systems are underway following a cyber attack that hit five Southwestern Ontario hospitals and their shared service provider in late October.
In a joint news release Thursday, the hospitals confirmed that online charting systems started coming back online last week, with ongoing restoration expected to continue this week.
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This is on track to meet their previously shared goal of having core clinical systems online by Dec. 15.
“As we continue to bring systems online, we are closely monitoring system integrity during network restoration at each institution,” they said in the news release.
“In addition, we have put extensive security measures in place to safeguard our systems.”
Bluewater Health, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Erie Shores HealthCare, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and Windsor Regional Hospital went dark on Oct. 23 when attackers targeted Transform Shared Service Organization — the third-party agency that manages electronic systems at all five hospitals.
Hackers claim they have sold the sensitive information of about 270,000 patients on the dark web.
In addition to the data theft, the cyber attack also blocked the hospitals’ access to Wi-Fi, email, and patient information systems, resulting in postponed procedures and cancelled appointments.
The agencies targeted in the massive cyberattack now face a $480-million lawsuit, which was filed Nov. 15 by Dahab Law in Sarnia.
“We understand this has been an incredibly challenging period for our communities,” said the news release. “This criminal cyberattack has affected our patients, employees and professional staff, causing disruptions to the high-quality you expect at our organizations.
“We are incredibly grateful for the patience you, our communities and staff, have provided us as we work to restore systems and normal operations.”
Work continues on an isolated plan to bring systems online for Bluewater Health due to the complexities of its system.
mmazak@postmedia.com
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