Two emergency rooms belonging to the Hackensack Meridian Health network in New Jersey have been forced to close due to a ransomware attack. The affected ERs are located at Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood and the Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair.
Hackensack Meridian Health is the largest healthcare provider in New Jersey, with a network that includes academic centers, acute care facilities, and research hospitals. The network is also affiliated with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and houses the School of Medicine’s primary teaching hospitals as well as research projects and facilities.
The demands of the cybercriminals behind the attack have not yet been disclosed. In response to the attack, hospital officials have implemented contingency plans to ensure the continuity of patient care. Patients who would normally be treated at the affected ERs are being diverted to other hospitals within the Hackensack Meridian Health network.
Despite the closures, hospital officials have assured the public that there has been no impact on patient care. They have emphasized that all other departments within the Pascack Valley Medical Center and the Mountainside Medical Center remain operational and continue to provide services to patients.
The Hackensack Meridian Health network is working closely with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident and restore normal operations as quickly as possible. They are also taking steps to further strengthen their cybersecurity defenses to prevent similar incidents in the future.