PIH Health was the target of a ransomware attack, forcing officials to shut down its network completely and leaving millions of people in the dark when it comes to healthcare.
Families are being told they can wait until the systems are back online or go to another hospital for treatment due to the problem, which occurred last weekend.
Officials say they were targeted Sunday in a “criminal act” that “put their network at risk.” In turn, network services were disabled at their hospitals in Downey, Whittier and downtown LA.
While urgent care centers and emergency rooms remained open, patients and physicians were unable to access medical records, laboratory systems, pharmacy orders, or access to radiation. In addition, internet access and telephone lines were completely disabled.
“Meeting the health care needs of our communities remains our highest priority,” said a statement from PIH Health. “We continue to provide care during our downtime procedures in all of our facilities, including all three hospitals, medical offices, home health, hospice, outpatient imaging and laboratory.”
Officials say they have notified local law enforcement of the network disruption and that the FBI is also involved in the criminal investigation.
It remains unclear when their network will be fully restored.
