More than a week after the University of Mississippi Medical Center was hit by a cyberattack, the healthcare center has plans to transition back to regular operations.
Officials announced Friday that the hospital has made significant strides in restoring many systems that had been disrupted by the Feb. 19 cyberattack, meaning clinics will reopen on Monday with extended hours to meet the needs of patients.
UMMC’s record system had been shut down, and other systems, including the hospital’s website, some phone lines, and email, were disrupted, prompting a shutdown of all clinics while healthcare workers transitioned to pen and paper to chart patient information.
“We continue to make progress in restoring our systems and getting closer to full functions following last week’s cyberattack. We can access patient records, so UMMC clinics statewide will resume normal operations and scheduled appointments on Monday,” a statement from the hospital reads.
UMMC officials further noted that clinics will begin reaching out to patients to reschedule appointments that were cancelled. Hospitals and emergency departments in Jackson, Grenada, Madison County, and Holmes County remain open. Those who have time-sensitive needs, like a prescription refill or postoperative care, are urged to call the UMMC Triage Line at (601) 815-0000.
Earlier this week, UMMC vice chancellor of health affairs Dr. LouAnn Woodward said demands had been received from those behind the attack, but she did not disclose how they had been approaching those demands. Both the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, along with state and other federal partners and experts, are working the ransomware case. Some networks were compromised and others were shut down by UMMC out of precaution.
UMMC is one of Mississippi’s largest health care providers, operating seven hospitals – including the state’s largest in Jackson – 35 clinics, and more than 200 telehealth sites statewide.
