UMMC responds to ransomware attack, prioritizes patient care amid system outage

University of Mississippi Medical Center is working to recover from a ransomware cyberattack that has taken down its electronic health records and phone systems, according to a message from Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Dr. LouAnn Woodward.

In a Friday column to staff, faculty and students, Woodward said the hospital has stopped the bleeding and is collaborating with technical experts and federal agencies to assess the scope of the intrusion. The attack has temporarily disabled all systems, prompting the hospital to switch to paper documentation and suspend outpatient services.

Woodward emphasized that inpatient care continues using downtime procedures. The hospital canceled all clinics and elective procedures Thursday and Friday but assured the public that emergency services remain operational. Priority is being given to patients with time-sensitive needs, such as chemotherapy patients, with efforts underway to reschedule affected appointments promptly.

She expressed gratitude for the staff and community members who have offered support and assistance during the crisis. “All hands on deck. No questions asked except – ‘How can we help?’ and ‘What do we need to do?’” she said. “Our doctors, nurses, staff and leaders care deeply for our patients.”

Woodward reassured that the hospital is working diligently to restore full functionality as soon as possible, promising that the facility will be back to normal operations once the threat is mitigated.

Source: Original Article