The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) reports progress in resolving its recent cyber attack.
In a statement the QEH said “IT team, working with private and international experts continues to work on containing the problem and doing full system assessments. To date, cleaning of the hospital’s computer systems has also begun. The return to regular internet-based activity will occur in a phased approach across the hospital and is expected to commence during the first week in January. Despite the challenges, our dedicated staff remains committed to operating manually as we seek to provide the best possible service.”
The QEH added that their departments and wards remain open, albeit with a few necessary changes, as outlined below.
QEH PHARMACY
The QEH Pharmacy remains open from 8:30 a.m daily, until 4:30 p.m Monday through Friday and until 2:00 p.m on weekends and Public Holidays.
The Medication Delivery Service remains suspended at this time. Individuals are invited to:
(a) contact the Pharmacy for advice via QEH PBX 436-6450,
(b) visit with their boxes/bottles due for repeats or
(c) visit to collect their prescriptions and receive advice.
When visiting the Pharmacy, the public is asked to walk their Barbados ID card.
QEH OUT-PATIENTS CLINIC
Out-patients clinic remains open to the public. However, there may be delays and changes to their visit given the current situation. The public is asked to present for their appointments as scheduled. While present on your clinic day, they are urged to be patient with the staff as they do their best to work through the delays posed by the cyber security incident.
MEDICAL RECORDS (APPOINTMENTS)
The cyber security incident has prevented the department from issuing appointment dates at this time. The public is urged to still present with their paperwork, referral or appointment slip to have their need for a clinic date logged. They are to walk with their Barbados ID card. When the systems are functional again, the department will call those individuals who submitted paperwork to inform them of their appointment date.
RADIOLOGY
The Radiology Department remains open to the public for emergency tests only. Persons who have appointments with the Radiology Department for CT scans (Cat scans), xrays and ultrasounds are not able to be facilitated due to this threat. The appointments will be rescheduled and the patients notified of their new dates. The department is working to reduce the wait-time for the rescheduled appointments.
ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Accident & Emergency remains open to the public.
QEH PATIENT LIAISON SERVICE (HELP DESK)
This service remains open to the public and is manned by a team of medical, paramedical and nursing staff. The opening hours are Monday – Friday: 7AM to 11PM, Saturday: 8AM to 10PM, Sunday: 8AM to 8PM. The department is closed on public holidays. (PR)