by Kansas City Hospital Recovers from Cyber Attack
A hospital in the Kansas City area is making progress in recovering from a cyber attack that occurred in mid-December. Liberty Hospital, located at 2525 Glenn Hendren Drive in Liberty, Missouri, took proactive measures by shutting down their computer systems after detecting suspicious activity, which was later identified as a cybersecurity incident.
Since then, the hospital has been diligently working to correct the systems and investigate the source and extent of the attack. They have reported significant recovery and are moving closer to full functionality each day.
In their recovery process, the hospital has achieved several milestones. Most of the hospital and clinic capabilities are now functional, although a few areas are still treating a reduced number of patients. Patient electronic health records have been restored and are once again in use at the hospital and all clinics. Additionally, digital functionality for most equipment and applications has been restored.
The Emergency Department, which had been on diversion, is now back in operation. This is a crucial development, especially during the plunging temperatures, as it helps alleviate the strain on other area hospitals.
“While our patient volumes continue to increase, we prioritize patient safety above all else,” stated the hospital. They reassured the public that they will continue to use regulatory-approved downtime patient safety protocols when necessary to ensure proper care and documentation.
The hospital expressed their gratitude to their staff, patients, and the community for their patience and support during this unprecedented incident. They also thanked emergency services providers and local hospitals for their partnership in providing quality care to the Northland and the metropolitan area.
The investigation into the source and extent of the cyber attack is ongoing, and the hospital remains committed to transparency. They will share information as soon as it is safely possible to do so.
This incident highlights the importance of cybersecurity measures for hospitals and healthcare institutions. With the increasing reliance on digital systems, it is crucial to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect sensitive information and ensure the smooth operation of critical healthcare services.
