Portneuf undergoes software update following cybersecurity breach

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - Ardent Health Services, which owns and operates over two dozens hospitals across the United States, experienced a cybersecurity breach on Nov. 23. This impacted patient records and some access to care at Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello.

Portneuf Director of Marketing and Communications Mary Keating says the hospital temporarily changed routine operations in response to the breach.

"Hospitals regularly conduct drills and downtime preparedness tests to be ready for instances in which contingency plans are activated," she said.

Portneuf programs just underwent a software update. Hospital staff is now shifting from pencil and paper record keeping back to digital.

“Earlier today, Portneuf restored access to key clinical and business systems, including our Epic electronic health record platform," Keating said. "With the restoration of these systems, providers have access to patients’ electronic medical records."

After the massive 30-car pile up on I-86, several injured people were transported by ambulance to the hospital, but were outsourced to other facilities due to this cyber event.

"Patients transported by ambulance were diverted to other area facilities at the time of that incident," Keating said. "However, at this time, our emergency room is not on divert and continues to accept patients by ambulance and our clinics have resumed operations. Some non-emergent procedures remain paused while we work to bring additional systems back online."  

The source of this cyberattack is till unknown. Ardent Health Services, law enforcement, and third-party security experts are investigating the incident.

"If it is determined that any individuals’ protected health or personally identifiable information is involved, we will notify them in accordance with applicable law," she said.

The lastest updates on the this security breach can be found HERE.