Wesley gives ER guidance in wake of Ascension cyber issue
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — As Ascension Via Christi hospitals are dealing with a cyber security event, patients are being diverted to Wesley Medical Center.
Wesley said its hospital emergency room is seeing an increase in volume, but “Wesley Healthcare Emergency Network remains prepared to care for our community to the best of its ability.”
Wesley spokesperson Dave Stewart said the hospital is working closely with Sedgwick County EMS to ensure patients are being sent to facilities where they can receive the most appropriate care.
If you have to go to an emergency room, Wesley has this advice:
In cases of chest pain, suspected stroke or serious injury, go directly to Wesley Medical Center.
For issues that are not life-threatening, go to the Wesley Healthcare ER nearest your location.
Wesley Woodlawn Hospital and ER, 2610 N. Woodlawn
Wesley West ER, 13th Street and Tyler
Wesley Derby ER, 2648 N. Rock Road, Derby
Ascension affected by ‘cyber security event’
“As always, we will continue to do everything possible to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care, and are hopeful the current situation can be resolved quickly,” Stewart said. “We wish our colleagues at Ascension Via Christi the best as they work toward a solution.”
Other hospitals stepping up
NMC Health also provided a statement about the incident:
NMC Health connected with EMS immediately after we were notified of the cyber-attack yesterday to let them know we were available to support our neighbors. We have protocols in place to manage patient surges in the ER as well as other care services and are here to help in any way we can. We aren’t currently seeing many patients as a result of this situation. However, we stand at the ready to serve both our community’s needs and aid others as requested.
We’re also sending our thoughts and prayers to the patients, families, workers, and organizations affected by these attacks. Healthcare is vital to our citizens and our communities, and when a bad actor makes it difficult to access needed services the impact is much wider than the bedside.”
NMC Health
The Rock Regional Hospital Administration also said they were prepared to take in more patients:
“We are not affected by the attack. We are prepared and ready to take care of patients who would need to be transferred elsewhere. Our caseload has been the same. We don’t know if that will change, but we are prepared and ready if and when people need to come here.”
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