17 May 2021 | 09:15 PM UTC
Ireland: Disruption to public health services in Ireland continuing as of May 17 following cyberattack /update 1
Public health service disruption in Ireland continuing as of May 17 following cyberattack; cancellations and reduced services likely.
Event
Disruptions to public health services in Ireland are continuing following a cyberattack detected the morning of May 14. Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSE) temporarily shut down IT services to respond to the incident and they have not been fully restored as of May 17. The Department of Health has also been targeted in a similar cyberattack, prompting them to shut down a number of their IT systems; authorities believe the same group is behind both attacks. The HSE states that most appointments will proceed as planned, including those for COVID-19 vaccination appointments, and that emergency services will continue to operate as normal. Nonetheless, cancellations are possible, particularly for outpatient services, and delays are likely throughout the public health system. Individuals seeking new appointments for COVID-19 tests are advised to attend walk-in centers.
HSE has not confirmed when they expect IT services to resume. Disruptions could last several days and extend beyond the resumption of IT services as public healthcare providers work to clear any backlog.
Advice
Confirm all appointments with public healthcare providers in Ireland through May 21; anticipate possible delays and cancellations of public healthcare appointments.
