HSE shuts down IT system following ‘significant’ cyber attack

The Health Service Executive has temporarily shut down its IT system after a “significant ransomware attack”.

They say they have taken the precaution of shutting down their systems to further protect them and to assess the situation.

In a statement released this morning, the HSE said:

“There is a significant ransomware attack on the HSE IT systems.

“We have taken the precaution of shutting down all our our IT systems in order to protect them from this attack and to allow us fully assess the situation with our own security partners.

“We apologise for inconvenience caused to patients and to the public and will give further information as it becomes available.

“Vaccinations not effected are going ahead as planned.”

Speaking on Morning Ireland on RTE Radio 1 earlier, HSE CEO Paul Reid said a ransom demand has not yet been made.

“We are at the very early stages…there will be an update on what the attack means for the healthcare system’s services later in the morning.

“Everyone should continue to come forward for hospital appointments until they hear something different from us, in terms of services impacted.”

The attack has led to the Rotunda Hospital cancelling most outpatients visits today.

The maternity hospital said all outpatient visits are cancelled, unless expectant mothers are at 36 weeks pregnant or later.

All gynaecology clinics are also cancelled today.

However the hospital said those with any urgent concerns should attend as normal.