Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth Campus in Appleton. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Ascension is continuing to restore its systems after last week’s cyber security breach, but it is reminding patients things won’t be back to normal overnight.
On Wednesday, the health care system first announced it had detected unusual activity. Officials have since confirmed Ascension experienced a ransomware attack, which has disrupted its patient care operations.
In an update Monday, Ascension said it “worked around the clock over the weekend” to respond to the incident.
We are focused on restoring systems safely. We are making progress, however, it will take time to return to normal operations. As systems and services come back online, we will share those updates so that our patients and communities can plan accordingly.
A dedicated website has been established for Ascension to share updates and region-specific healthcare information. Click here to visit that website.
Ascension has partnered with Mandiant, an industry-leading cybersecurity firm, to assist in the investigation and remediation process.
Ascension said access to the following systems have been interrupted by the attack:
- Ascension’s electronic health records system
- MyChart (the platform which allows patients to view their medical records and communicate with providers)
- Some phone systems
- Various systems utilized to order certain tests, procedures and medications
Although all Ascension Wisconsin hospitals, physician offices and care sites across the state remain open, some non-emergent elective procedures, tests and appointments may be postponed while Ascension works to bring its systems back online. You can contact your provider prior to your appointment to ensure it is still scheduled as planned.
Patients whose appointments are not cancelled should bring 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. Doing so will help alleviate longer-than-usual wait times and delays.
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