Ascension Saint Thomas cybersecurity restoration 'will take time,' hospital system says

Hadley Hitson, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals continue to use manual and paper-based systems in Nashville nearly a week after a cyberattack disrupted regular operations. Some are also diverting ambulances "for specific medical cases to ensure they are triaged most effectively."

However, partner operations in Tennessee including Ascension Saint Thomas Urgent Care, Premier Radiology, Results Physiotherapy remain fully functioning.

The hospital system detected the unusual network activity on May 8 and has been working with cybersecurity firm Mandiant to investigate the attack, recover from its impact and restore all online systems. As of May 13, Ascension remains unsure of a timeline for its full recovery.

"We do not have a timeline for completion," an online statement from Ascension reads. "While our restoration work continues in earnest and we are making progress, we expect this process will take time to complete. We will continue to share updates on our recovery process."

The hospital system, which runs 140 hospitals across the country, created a landing page on its website where it will post updates as the situation unfolds. Apart from Tennessee, other impacted states include Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin.

"Despite the challenges posed by the recent ransomware incident, patient safety continues to be our utmost priority," an Ascension spokesperson said.

Ascension Health System was the latest victim of a cyberattack impacting patient care amid concerns of widespread attacks on healthcare systems across the country.
Ascension Health System was the latest victim of a cyberattack impacting patient care amid concerns of widespread attacks on healthcare systems across the country.

What Ascension patients should expect

In addition to the electronic health records systems being down, some systems used to order certain tests, procedures and medications are inaccessible.

All Ascension Saint Thomas emergency rooms, urgent-care locations and medical partner's doctors' offices remain open and are accepting walk-in patients. However, the hospital system said patients may experience extended delays.

"To help with delays, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles," an online Ascension statement reads. "In the event that appointments need to be rescheduled, an Ascension associate will contact patients directly."

Elective surgeries will continue as scheduled, unless patients are otherwise notified.

Ascension operates 140 hospitals nationwide, including Nashville's Saint Thomas.
Ascension operates 140 hospitals nationwide, including Nashville's Saint Thomas.

What Nashville locations are unaffected?

Several Ascension partners in the Nashville area are not being impacted by the cyberattack.

Those include:

  • Ascension Saint Thomas Urgent Care

  • Premier Radiology

  • Results Physiotherapy

  • Highpoint Health

  • Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital

  • Ascension Saint Thomas Rehabilitation Hospital

  • The Little Clinic Kroger locations

  • Affiliated ambulatory surgery centers

  • Affiliated sleep centers

Hadley Hitson covers trending business, dining and healthcare for The Tennessean. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to The Tennessean.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville hospitals recovering from cyberattack, unsure of timeline