SUDBURY - The computer virus that is impacting operations at Health Sciences North this week has forced the cancellation of numerous clinics and treatments, delays in various departments and the rescheduling of some procedures.
Calling the issue “technical difficulties,” HSN began noticing problems with its computer system at 8 a.m. on Jan. 15. In the latest release, the hospital said its IT department confirmed a virus is the cause of the issue, and staff is working with several “IT experts, including McAfee” to try to fix the problem.
“We do not know yet how our IT systems came to be infected with this virus,” the hospital said in its latest news release.
While patient care is not impacted, HSN said, several internal software systems are.
Wait times in the emergency department will be longer, while certain elective procedures and surgeries in the next 24 to 48 hours could be rescheduled, the hospital said. In addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments have been cancelled at the North East Cancer Centre and its satellite clinics.
“Patients are in the process of being rescheduled for treatment later this week and into the weekend,” HSN said. “Those patients impacted will be notified.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. To ease congestion in our Emergency Department during this time, the public is reminded there are alternative care options available in the community including walk-in clinics and telemedicine.”
All appointments at the following clinics may be affected today due to the virus:
- Northeast Joint Assessment Centre
- Ambulatory Care Unit
- Heart Failure Clinic
- Medical Day Care
- Breast Screening and Assessment Service
If you have a scheduled appointment today, HSN asks that you still head to the hospital, but understand that these appointments may be impacted. If you have questions or concerns, contact Patient Relations at 705-523-7100 ext. 3737 for more information.
- Sudbury.com/Laurentian Media