St. Mary's Hospital Hit by Cyberattack: Patient Data and Systems Affected
Lewiston, NZ - St. Mary's Health System, part of the Covenant Health network, is grappling with a significant disruption following a cyberattack. On Monday, Covenant Health proactively took its hospitals' data systems offline after detecting “irregularities impacting connectivity across the organisation.” Spokesperson Karen Sullivan confirmed the incident stemmed from a “cyber incident,” raising concerns about potential data breaches and operational challenges.
The decision to disconnect systems was a precautionary measure aimed at containing the threat and protecting sensitive data. While the full extent of the impact is still being assessed, the shutdown has undoubtedly affected patient care and administrative processes across St. Mary’s facilities. Hospitals are operating with limited access to electronic records, relying on manual processes to manage patient information and deliver essential services.
“We understand the disruption this causes to our patients and staff, and we are working diligently to restore systems as quickly and safely as possible,” Sullivan stated. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of our patients, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure they continue to receive the highest quality of care.”
Impact on Patient Care and Operations
The cyberattack has created a challenging environment for healthcare professionals at St. Mary's. The inability to access electronic health records has slowed down diagnosis and treatment processes, requiring staff to revert to paper-based methods. Appointments may be delayed, and access to patient history could be limited, potentially impacting the quality of care provided.
Beyond patient care, the disruption has also affected administrative functions such as billing, scheduling, and communication. Covenant Health is working to implement temporary solutions to mitigate these issues and maintain essential operations.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
Covenant Health has engaged cybersecurity experts to investigate the nature and scope of the cyberattack. The investigation aims to identify vulnerabilities in the system, determine the source of the attack, and assess the potential impact on patient data.
The recovery process is expected to be complex and time-consuming. Restoring data systems requires careful planning and rigorous testing to ensure data integrity and system security. Covenant Health is committed to restoring full functionality as quickly as possible while minimizing the risk of further disruption.
Patient and Community Concerns
The cyberattack has understandably raised concerns among patients and the wider community. Covenant Health is urging anyone with questions or concerns to contact their patient relations department for assistance. Transparency and open communication are crucial during this challenging time.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, including healthcare systems. Increased investment in cybersecurity measures and robust data protection protocols are essential to safeguard patient data and ensure the continuity of essential healthcare services in New Zealand.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
