Lurie Children’s Hospital, a leading healthcare institution in Chicago, is currently restoring its key systems after experiencing a recent cyberattack. In a statement issued by the hospital, it was revealed that their electronic health record platform, Epic, along with other crucial systems, have been reactivated. However, the restoration of MyChart functionality for patient-families is still ongoing and is expected to take several days to complete. This restoration process is being conducted to ensure that all key MyChart functions are brought back online, including online scheduling, e-check-in, provider messaging, medication refill requests, and soon-to-be-added bill pay options. The hospital has warned patients and families about the possibility of intermittent service disruptions while using the MyChart website or app due to the system downtime. Due to this, certain information, such as billing details, may not be immediately updated in MyChart. The hospital reassures patient-families that they are actively working to address these issues and will provide regular updates as the restoration process progresses.
Lurie Children’s Hospital maintains that they will continue to prioritize patient safety and the delivery of quality care as they manage their response to the cybersecurity incident. As part of their response efforts, the hospital is collaborating closely with security experts and law enforcement agencies to investigate the cyberattack and mitigate its impact. Despite the challenges presented by the cyberattack, the hospital remains fully operational, providing a variety of services to patients, including emergency care, inpatient care, surgical procedures, and ambulatory visits. Efforts are being made to minimize disruptions to patient care as much as possible, with healthcare providers working diligently to ensure that all patients receive the attention and treatment they require. The hospital’s investigation into the cyberattack is ongoing, with dedicated teams working to identify the root cause and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response to the cybersecurity incident, Lurie Children’s Hospital is taking proactive steps to improve the security of its systems and safeguard patient information. This includes working closely with cybersecurity experts to assess vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and implement robust security measures. The hospital is conducting thorough reviews of its IT infrastructure and protocols to identify areas for improvement and strengthen resilience against cyber threats. While the restoration process is complex and time-consuming, particularly given the hospital’s status as an academic medical center, Lurie Children’s emphasizes the importance of thorough validation and testing before bringing systems back online. Patient families are encouraged to continue using alternative communication channels for emergencies or inquiries related to their child’s care, ensuring that their needs are addressed promptly and effectively.
Acknowledging the inconvenience experienced by patient families and community providers as a result of the cyberattack, Lurie Children’s Hospital extends its sincere appreciation for their continued patience and support. The hospital has stated their commitment to providing high-quality care and ensuring the security and confidentiality of patient information, pledging to provide updates and support to patients, families, and healthcare providers. The hospital aims to recover from this cybersecurity incident stronger and better prepared to safeguard against future threats, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in patient care and cybersecurity resilience.
