Signature Healthcare is responding to a cybersecurity incident that has disrupted portions of its information systems, prompting the Brockton, Mass.-based health system to shift to manual operations while continuing patient care.
The health system identified suspicious activity in part of its network and activated incident response protocols, transitioning to downtime procedures to maintain care delivery, according to an April 6 update the health system shared with Becker’s.
Hospital operations remain partially intact, though with adjustments. Inpatient and walk-in emergency services are continuing, but ambulance traffic is being diverted. Scheduled surgeries and procedures, including endoscopy, are proceeding as planned.
Some services, however, have been temporarily halted. Chemotherapy infusion appointments scheduled for April 7 have been canceled, and patients are being directed to contact the Greene Cancer Center to reschedule. Retail pharmacies in Brockton and East Bridgewater, Mass., will also be closed that day.
Ambulatory physician offices and urgent care centers are expected to remain open, though patients may face delays as staff navigate system disruptions.
The health system said it engaged external experts to assist with investigating the incident and restoring affected systems. Officials did not disclose the cause or scope of the cybersecurity event.
Signature Healthcare said it will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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