Technology disruptions at Ascension St. John amid investigation of possible cybersecurity breach

Tulsa World ^ | May 8, 2024 | Andrea Eger

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

One of Tulsa’s largest health care systems is contending with technology disruptions as it investigates a possible cybersecurity breach.

Asked to confirm reports that Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa is currently operating without access to internet, computer-based patient charts and telephone lines, a hospital spokeswoman released this written statement to the Tulsa World:

“On Wednesday, May 8, we detected unusual activity on select technology network systems. We responded immediately, initiated our investigation and activated our remediation efforts. Access to some systems have been interrupted as this process continues.

"Our care teams are trained for these kinds of disruptions and have initiated procedures to ensure patient care delivery continues to be safe and as minimally impacted as possible.”

People are also reading… Oklahoma State more than earned No. 2 ranking, super-regional bid in series win over Sooners Zink Lake opens this summer. Here's what you need to know Update on severe storms Monday night OSSAA's revised football districts place together 3A powers Lincoln Christian, Holland Hall The use of online technology throughout health care has made hospitals an increasingly common target of thieves who attempt to hold systems’ data and networks hostage in exchange for ransom payments.

Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Last fall, Hillcrest HealthCare System had to reschedule or divert patients after its parent company Ardent suffered a ransomware attack.

Ascension, the faith-based health care organization that operates Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, said patients will be notified if an investigation of the newly detected “unusual activity” finds sensitive information was affected.

“We have notified the appropriate authorities and are working to fully investigate what information, if any, may have been affected by the situation. Should we determine that any sensitive information was affected, we will notify and support those individuals in accordance with all relevant regulatory and legal guidelines,” the Ascension St. John spokeswoman said.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Technology makes consolidation very simple. It seems to be another case of Medical Regulatory malpractice.

[Robert DeLong]

I thought at first that this was about Louisiana as there are both Ascension & St. John Parishes (Counties) in SE Louisiana both located pretty close to each other as well. St. John (Often referred to it as such), is in actuality named St, John the Baptist Parish. But it is more often than not reported on with the shortened name instead of the full name.

I looked because I was perhaps amazed that they might actually have technology down there. It's rather swampy down in their locations. 😋 🤣

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

It seems Ascension & St. John are pretty big franchises.

[Robert DeLong]

They do seem to get around. 🙂👍

[Larry - Moe and Curly]

“Technology disruptions at Ascension St. John”

Same thing happened to Ascension Via Christi Hospital system in Wichita, KS today. Likely Ransomware.

Ransomware infected the City of Wichita,KS on Sunday.