Ascension Via Christi again accepting patients in high-level emergency cases following cyberattack

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Following Wednesday’s cyberattack on Ascension that disrupted services and diverted patients to other hospitals, In Wichita, Ascension Via Christi provided an update on its efforts to mitigate the impact on patients and its staff. While several systems are still unavailable, Ascension Via Christi (including two of Wichita’s main hospitals: St. Francis and St. Joseph), confirmed that it is off of diversion (accepting patients) “for cases related to high levels of care.” These high-level emergency cases include serious traumas, strokes, burns and heart attacks.

Addressing the situation impacting its hospitals across the U.S., Ascension provided an update on its efforts to recover from the cyberattack and further insight into the systems the attack impacted.

“We are working around the clock with internal and external advisors to investigate, contain, and restore our systems following a thorough validation and screening process,” Ascension said. “Our investigation and restoration work will take time to complete, and we do not have a timeline for completion.

Unavailable systems include Ascension’s electronic health records system, MyChart (which enables patients to view their medical records and communicate with their providers), some phone systems, and various systems utilized to order certain tests, procedures and medications.

“We have implemented established protocols and procedures to address these particular system disruptions in order to continue to provide safe care to patients. Out of an abundance of caution, however, some non-emergent elective procedures, tests and appointments have been temporarily paused while we work to bring systems back online,” Ascension said. “Our teams are working directly with any patient whose appointment or procedure will need to be rescheduled. We understand the frustration this may cause and sincerely regret any inconvenience to our patients.”