Nurses union questions safety as ransomware hits Health Sciences Centre systems

The union representing nurses in Manitoba has voiced concerns over security risks following a ransomware attack that disrupted maintenance systems at the province's largest hospital, the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, expressed dismay that the breach affects some door access systems. This comes after the union previously declared the hospital unsafe due to security concerns. Shared Health, which manages the province's healthcare, announced the attack on Monday, noting it impacted facility maintenance systems like HVAC and door access. However, the organization assured that patient care and clinical operations are unaffected and fully operational. Anya Willis, a communications specialist with Shared Health, stated that investigations show no indication of patient impact. Despite assurances, the union remains worried about the implications of compromised door access. Jackson noted that Shared Health has reportedly deployed security guards to manage entrances. The exact extent of the door access issue and the timeline for resolution remain unclear, as Shared Health has not specified when the breach occurred or if hackers made demands. This incident echoes concerns raised in a 2024 report by Manitoba's auditor general, Tyson Shtykalo. The report highlighted a need for improved cybersecurity at Shared Health, recommending annual testing for scenarios like ransomware and data theft, along with enhanced training for the cybersecurity incident response team.

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If there has been a breach that allows doors to be unlocked, that is a big concern for us.