INDIANAPOLIS — The health care network Ascension St. Vincent is providing an update about the ransomware attack that recently affected their organization.
An Ascension spokesperson told 13News they're making progress in restoring systems safely, but added it would take time to restore operations.
In Indiana, Ascension St. Vincent Hospitals, physician offices and care sites are open and operational, they said. All Ascension St. Vincent emergency rooms are open and accepting walk-ins. Some hospitals are diverting ambulance services in certain cases.
Ascension has a dedicated website for updates on the cyberattack. It includes information for specific regions, including in Indiana.
More information
Here's the cybersecurity event update provided Monday by an Ascension spokesperson:
All Ascension St. Vincent hospitals, physician offices, and care sites across Indiana remain open and operational. Despite the challenges posed by the recent ransomware incident, patient safety continues to be our utmost priority. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and care teams are demonstrating incredible thoughtfulness and resilience as we use manual and paper-based systems during the ongoing disruption to normal systems.
We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation. Rest assured, our commitment to the health and safety of our community remains our highest priority.
Can I go to my doctor’s appointment?
Ascension St. Vincent Medical Group doctor’s offices and care sites are operating with normal business hours, and all scheduled appointments are proceeding as planned.
Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help with delays, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles. In the event that appointments need to be rescheduled, an Ascension associate will contact patients directly.
Can I get my prescription filled?
Ascension Rx retail pharmacies in Indiana cannot fill prescriptions at this time. Patients are being asked to bring their prescription list and prescription bottles to their appointment. We will work with patients to find an alternative pathway to get a fill at another pharmacy if ours is not an option. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Are Ascension’s urgent care centers open?
At this time, Ascension’s urgent care centers are fully operating. Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation and care at certain centers, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays.
Are Ascension’s emergency rooms open?
All Ascension St. Vincent emergency rooms remain open and accepting walk-in patients. Certain hospitals are currently implementing a diversion process for ambulance services for specific medical cases to ensure they are triaged most effectively. Diversion is the practice of an ambulance potentially bypassing an Ascension location to another facility. It is a normal course of operation, a fluid practice, and is dependent on a number of factors, including case severity, service lines, and availability. We are in constant communication with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers to ensure real-time updates on facility availability.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911, and local emergency services will transport you to the most appropriate hospital emergency room.
Can I still have my elective surgery?
Patients with upcoming scheduled elective surgeries should plan to arrive as planned unless otherwise notified. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.
Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help with delays, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles.
Can I still have my non-elective surgery? Patients with upcoming scheduled non-elective surgeries should plan to arrive as planned unless otherwise notified. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.
Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help with delays, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles.
Will I be able to get my diagnostic imaging, other tests, and treatments?
Imaging, testing, and treatment are being offered at this time. Patients may experience delays, we are grateful for your patience. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.
Commitment to Quality Care:
Our care teams are well versed on dynamic situations and are appropriately trained to maintain high quality care during downtime. Our leadership, physicians, care teams, and associates are working tirelessly to ensure patient care continues with minimal to no interruption. We appreciate our community's patience and understanding.