CHI Health begins to restore computer systems after a ransomware attack

As systems come back online, health system officials said in a statement, providers will be able to access their patients’ electronic health records. Some systems, including patient access to the MyChart portal, should be available in the coming days.

CHI Health announced earlier this month that it was dealing with a “computer security incident” that affected all of its Omaha facilities, including Lakeside Hospital, Creighton-Bergan Mercy University Medical Center and Immanuel Medical Center.

Last week, CommonSpirit Health, the parent organization of CHI Health in Nebraska and Iowa, acknowledged the incident was a ransomware attack.

As to when the issue will be resolved, CommonSpirit officials said that for “parts of our health system that have had operational impacts, we are working diligently every day to bring systems back online and restore all functionality as quickly and safely as possible”.

CommonSpirit officials said they were continuing to conduct a forensic investigation and review of their systems and would seek to determine if patient data was affected.

Locally, CHI Health officials stressed throughout the attack that clinics and hospitals in the system remained open and hospitals continued to accept trauma patients. The healthcare system has, however, made some temporary adjustments, including rescheduling and delaying certain appointments or procedures on a case-by-case basis.

The attack proved frustrating for some patients, who reported difficulty making appointments and obtaining prescriptions.

In their statement, CHI officials thanked patients, clinicians, team members and the community for their patience.