Ascension: No Timeline for System Restoration After Ransomware Attack

St. Louis-based health system Ascension reported on May 13 that it does not have a timeline for restoring services after the cyber security event it announced on May 8. Over the weekend, Ascension confirmed the organization was hit by a ransomware attack.

In a press release, the non-profit organization stated that it had notified law enforcement and government agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Services that have been impacted include Ascension’s electronic health records systems (EHR) and tools for ordering tests, procedures, and medications. “Several hospitals are currently on diversion for emergency medical services in order to ensure emergency cases are triaged immediately,” according to the press release.

According to last week’s news release, due to downtime procedures, “Patients should bring to their appointment notes on their symptoms and a list of current medications and prescription numbers or the prescription bottles so their care team can call in medication needs to pharmacies.”