Ardent Health Systems, which includes Hillcrest Henryetta Hospital, had its computers hacked Nov. 23 causing a number of its sites being taken offline.
The hack is described as a ransomware attack and has been reported to law enforcement and retained third-party forensic and threat intelligence advisors. In addition to electronic protection procedures already in place, Ardent has also implemented additional information technology security protocols and is working with specialist cybersecurity partners to restore its information technology operations and capabilities as quickly as possible.
Ardent officials are not confirming the extent of any patient health or financial data has been compromised.
That has caused medical operations to be disrupted in some parts of the operations. Some rescheduling some non-emergent, elective procedures and diverting some emergency room patients to other area hospitals until systems are back online.
In a press release, Ardent says the hospitals are currently operating on divert, which means hospitals are asking local ambulance services to transport patients in need of emergency care to other area hospitals. This ensures critically ill patients have immediate access to the most appropriate level of care.
Patients are still being seen in the clinics but if appointments or procedures need to be rescheduled, the offices will contact the patients directly.
There is no timeline for the computer access to be restored.