The Ascension health care network said a cyberattack that affected 140 hospitals across the U.S. last week was a ransomware incident.
The hospitals affected include Via Christi St. Francis and Via Christi St. Joseph hospitals in Wichita. An Ascension spokesman said the hospitals, physician offices and care sites across Kansas remain open and operational. They are working under normal business hours and scheduled appointments are proceeding as planned.
Because of the use of manual systems, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. Patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles. In the event that appointments need to be rescheduled, an Ascension associate will contact patients directly. The emergency rooms are open.
Ascension Rx retail pharmacies in Kansas cannot fill prescriptions at this time. If a prescription was filled prior to May 8, 2024, and is awaiting pickup, that is available for the patient. If a patient needs a refill, they need to contact their prescriber and get a new prescription sent to a pharmacy outside of Ascension Rx.
Patients with upcoming scheduled elective surgeries should plan to arrive as planned unless otherwise notified. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact the patient directly. Imaging, testing, and treatment are being offered at this time, but there may be some delays.
Ascension is reporting progress in getting systems restored, but it will take time to get back to normal operations. A web site has been set up to provide updates
https://about.ascension.org/cybersecurity-event.
