SickKids hit by ransomware attack affecting some phone lines, web pages | CBC News

SickKids hit by ransomware attack affecting some phone lines, web pages
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Delays retrieving lab and imaging results but patient care is unaffected, hospital says
The Canadian Press ยท Posted: Dec 20, 2022 8:33 AM ET | Last Updated: December 22

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids Hospital) at the end of November 2022. (Michael Wilson/CBC)
Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children says it has been hit with a ransomware attack affecting some of its phone lines, web pages and clinical systems.

On Tuesday, SickKids reported it was responding to a "cybersecurity incident." It confirmed the ransomware attack Thursday, noting all patient care will continue as there is currently no evidence that personal health information has been compromised.

While patient care will continue as normal, the hospital noted that it is experiencing delays with retrieving lab and imaging results as a result of the ransomware attack, which may cause longer wait times for patients and families.

SickKids says it called the hospital code for "system failure" on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. and the issue is ongoing.

It says the incident looks to have only impacted "a few" internal clinical and corporate systems, along with some phone lines and web pages.

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The hospital says it has contacted third-party expert organizations and police to resolve the incident.

SickKids says people could experience difficulties calling into the hospital as well as accessing its health education web page and its careers portal.