Guthrie Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, N.Y., has been affected by a ransomware attack on the St. Louis-based Ascension healthcare organization, which was disclosed on May 8. Although Guthrie Lourdes Hospital officially transitioned to the Guthrie health system in February, the integration process is still underway, leaving it vulnerable to the cyberattack that targeted Ascension. This attack has caused significant disruptions at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital.
In response to the attack, Guthrie Lourdes Hospital has taken several precautionary measures. Kathy Connerton, president of Guthrie Lourdes Hospital, stated in a video on May 10 that elective surgeries were postponed to ensure they could be conducted safely. This quick pivot was necessary to safeguard patients and staff while addressing the cybersecurity threat.
Despite the challenges, Guthrie Lourdes Hospital’s pharmacies remain operational but are currently unable to fill prescriptions. Patients are advised to contact their physicians to arrange for paper prescriptions or transfer their medications to other pharmacies. This temporary measure aims to minimize the disruption in patient care and medication access.
The hospital’s emergency department remains open and is accepting walk-in patients, ensuring that critical care services are still available. The incident underscores the ongoing risks healthcare organizations face from cyberattacks, especially during transitional periods such as mergers and acquisitions. Guthrie Lourdes Hospital continues to work diligently to resolve the issues and restore full functionality while maintaining patient safety and care.
