Antwerp’s AZ Monica hospital hit by cyber attack

AZ Monica hospital in Antwerp was hit by a cyber attack on Tuesday, hospital officials confirmed. The attack affected computer systems at both campuses, in Deurne and Antwerp (Harmonie).

The problem was discovered around 6.30am, when staff noticed a serious IT failure. As a safety measure, all servers were shut down. The public prosecutor has opened an investigation, and the federal police’s cyber crime unit is on site.

Because staff cannot access electronic patient records, all non-urgent care has been postponed. At least 70 planned operations were cancelled, and around 70 patients were sent home. Seven patients were moved to other hospitals as a precaution.

Emergency care is still available, but at a reduced level. The emergency department remains open. Mobile emergency teams have been temporarily replaced by nearby hospitals. Visitors are still allowed.

Hospital management said there is currently no sign that patient data has been stolen. It said that ensuring patient safety remains the top priority while systems are checked and restored.

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