Electronic patient records are set to come back online at Windsor Regional Hospital next week following a cyberattack in October, according to hospital officials. However, it is anticipated that the backlog on diagnostic imaging will take several weeks to clear.
Karen Riddell, the chief operating officer and chief nursing executive for the hospital, announced during an update to the hospital board that a detailed plan is in place to systematically enter patients’ information into the electronic charting system. While this is a positive step forward, some applications integrated into the electronic health record will take longer to regain functionality.
Lab results are expected to take one to two weeks to be available electronically, while medication orders may take up to one to two months. Riddell also provided an overview of the imaging delays caused by the cyberattack.
Priority patients requiring urgent diagnostic images have not experienced any delays throughout the ordeal. However, for patients classified as P3, who require imaging within 10 days, it is estimated that it will take approximately 10 weeks to clear the existing backlog. The backlog was primarily caused by the hospital’s picturing archiving and communications (PAC) system being affected during the cyberattack.
Less urgent patients may have to wait until 2024 to see wait times return to normal. The hospital has been proactive in informing physicians’ offices about potential impacts to prioritize patients whose clinical conditions are changing or require expedited imaging. Patients have also been encouraged to seek imaging services at other hospitals if necessary.
The cyberattack, which occurred on October 23, resulted in system outages for multiple hospitals, including Windsor Regional Hospital, Erie Shores HealthCare, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, Bluewater Health, and Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. The attack compromised the personal information of millions of employees and patients.
Despite the challenges and significant effort required to restore services, Riddell expressed gratitude towards the hospital staff who have been working tirelessly to address the situation.
As the hospital’s systems gradually resume normal operations, paper records are now being entered into patient electronic health records. The staff’s dedication and perseverance have been crucial to overcoming the aftermath of this cybersecurity incident.
In conclusion, while Windsor Regional Hospital is making progress by bringing electronic patient records online, it will take time to clear the imaging backlog caused by the cyberattack. The hospital remains committed to prioritizing patient care and minimizing the impact of the incident on healthcare services.
