What Ascension patients should know about cyberattack as some hospitals return EMS transfers

Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal
Updated ·3 min read

Ascension is still reeling from an apparent cybersecurity attack that brought its systems down nationwide Wednesday morning.

In a statement, an Ascension spokesperson said that the company reacted immediately to the attack by initiating an investigation while simultaneously employing remediation efforts.

Almost a week later, the impact of the attack and who is behind it are still unclear, and Ascension hospitals around the United States are still working on downtime procedures.

Here’s everything we know about the Ascension cyberattack.

When did Ascension get hacked?

The Ascension cyberattack happened early Wednesday morning. Hospital employees began noticing system interruptions around 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola: Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola returns to accepting EMS transfers amid cyberattack

What Ascension services are impacted by the cyberattack?

Ascension hospitals remain open, but they’re operating under downtime procedures. Electronic health records systems and various systems utilized to order certain tests, procedures and medications are still down.

Downtime procedures typically refer to periods when electronic medical record systems are either completely or partially unavailable due to power failure, planned maintenance, cyberattacks or other disruptions.

When will Ascension’s systems be back up?

There is currently no timeline for when restoration will be complete.

Was there a patient data breach?

Ascension has not provided any information regarding a data breach. According to its website, the health system is still continuing to work with internal and external experts and law enforcement to determine the scope of the cyberattack and whether any sensitive information was affected.

What should patients do in the meantime?

Patients being treated at Ascension hospitals should bring notes on their symptoms and a list of their medications and prescription numbers with them to any appointments so their care team can call in needed medication to pharmacies.

Hospitals and facilities are still open, so you should still expect to attend any already-scheduled appointments. Some non-emergent elective procedures, tests and appointments have been temporarily paused, however.

Ascension stated that its hospitals are working directly with impacted patients to reschedule.

What should you do if you need to be seen by a doctor but don’t have an appointment?

Hospitals and facilities are still open for care. You should still get in touch with your doctor to schedule an appointment, if needed.

Some hospitals are on diversion for emergency medical services. Ascension recommends that anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 and local emergency services will bring you to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Who is responsible for the Ascension cyberattack?

There has been no official confirmation on who carried out the cyberattack on Ascension, but CNN has reported that four sources briefed on the investigation said it was a ransomware attack. The sources said the type of ransomware used is known as "Black Basta," which is a type of ransomware that has been repeatedly used to attack health care organizations in recent years.

How many Ascension hospitals are there in Florida?

  • Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, 5151 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola, FL

  • Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast, 2300 Mack Bayou Loop #11, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

  • Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, 615 Bonita Ave. A, Panama City, FL

  • Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Gulf, 3801 U.S. 98, Port St. Joe, FL

  • Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County, 1670 St. Vincents Way, Middleburg, FL

  • Ascension St. Vincent's St. Johns County, 205 Trinity Way, St. Johns, FL

  • Ascension St. Vincent's Southside Hospital, 4201 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL

  • Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside Hospital, 1 Shircliff Way, Jacksonville, FL

How many Ascension hospitals are there in the U.S.?

Ascension employs approximately 134,000 associates, has 35,000 affiliated providers and 140 hospitals.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Ascension cyberattack investigation still ongoing. Latest info