February 6, 2024 at 09:00AM
Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital faces a network shutdown following a potential ransomware cyberattack, impeding medical records access and communication. Hospital officials are investigating with experts and law enforcement. Patients face delayed care, while the hospital struggles to manage the disruption. The incident mirrors a wider trend of escalating digital attacks on healthcare organizations.
It appears that Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago has experienced a cyberattack, possibly ransomware, which has led to the offline status of its networks. The hospital has initiated an investigation with the support of experts and law enforcement agencies. The facility remains open and has emphasized that providing safe and quality care to patients is its top priority. The attack has caused disruptions and delays, impacting patients’ access to digital medical records, surgeries, and other medical services. Some families have expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding delayed surgeries and uncertain rescheduling. The hospital has also set up a separate call center for non-urgent patient queries and prescription refills. This situation aligns with the broader trend of increasing cyber-based attacks on healthcare entities, as indicated in a 2023 report by the Department of Health and Human Services.