Ransomware incident at Health Sciences Centre affects door access, HVAC systems

Health Sciences Centre says patient care will continue uninterrupted after a ransomware incident at Manitoba’s largest hospital.

A news release Monday afternoon said a ransomware attack had affected a number of facility maintenance systems, including the HVAC system and door access.

“If anyone needs to attend to HSC for care, they should do so,” the statement said. “Clinical services continue uninterrupted, and based on the investigation conducted to date, there is no indication that patients have been affected.”

HSC said it has launched an investigation into the cause of the breach and has “engaged with expert third parties to resolve the incident as soon as possible.”

The province has been notified about the incident.

“The site is accessible to patients and staff,” a Shared Health spokeswoman said in an email Monday afternoon. “We will provide more information when we are able.”

No further details were provided.

The Free Press reached out to the Winnipeg Police Service late Monday but did not receive a response by end of day.

A sign in front of one of the hospital’s side entrances noted it was closed and directed people to the hospital’s main doors at 700 William Ave.

Several of the outdoor entrances to the facility opened without issue Monday evening. It’s unclear if door access inside the building has been affected.