SV Hospital dealing with major computer disruption

Sonoma Valley Hospital today acknowledged it has yet to fully recover from a serious breach of its computer system that forced a shutdown 11 days ago.

“On October 11, Sonoma Valley Hospital experienced a security incident that affected computer systems and triggered a significant downtime event,” said Celia Kruse de la Rosa, SVH public information officer, in a statement.

Currently, the Hospital is maintaining operations while computer systems are being fully restored, she said. “We have maintained the ability to care for patients using our business continuity plan.”

SVH immediately initiated an investigation into the system failure, de La Kruse said. “We have partnered with outside experts to help us investigate and remedy this incident.  We will provide updates as the investigation progresses.”

De la Kruse would not comment on the nature of the system failure, i.e. if it was a ransomware attack — a theory that quickly spread on social media. She also declined comment regarding any unauthorized access to patient records.

Details will be provided when the investigation is complete, she told The Sun.

SVH stressed that as the system is being restored, Emergency Care remains available 24/7. Necessary surgeries and elective procedures have not been disrupted by the incident, and most diagnostics are being continued without interruption.

The patient portal remains available, but new results have not been since October 11.