Ascension warns of increased wait times, delays at Kansas hospital locations

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - Ascension is releasing new information following a ransomware attack last month impacting its hospital network in Kansas.

Scott Evans with Ascension announced in a press release on June 10 that both Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and its Wamego Health Center are open and operational in the aftermath of the May cyber attack. Ascension also manages Ascension Via Christi hospitals in Wichita and Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg.

"Despite the challenges posed by the recent ransomware incident, patient safety continues to be our utmost priority. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and care teams are demonstrating incredible thoughtfulness and resilience as we use manual and paper based systems during the ongoing disruption to normal systems. 

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation. Rest assured, our commitment to the health and safety of our community remains our highest priority."

Ascension cyberattack statement excerpt June 10

While Ascension is offering all of its services in Manhattan and Wamego, it does warn patients to expect delays in some areas. The transition to manual systems for patient documentation may lead to increased wait times and delays when scheduling a doctor's appointment, surgical operations, diagnostic imaging and other tests and treatments.

For more information on how Ascension is responding to the cyber attack's aftermath in Kansas, click here.

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