Sask. Cancer Agency slowed down by eHealth attack

Cancer patients in Regina could be waiting a bit longer until everything is cleared up from the ransomware attack against the province’s eHealth services.

On Sunday morning, systems detected a ransomware attack on the eHealth system, and that system has been undergoing maintenance and checks since.

When the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency found out about that attack, it detached its system from eHealth to “be cautious” and contain itself, according to a spokesperson.

The agency uses eHealth for its external email, provincial lab results, and pathology and medication information.

The spokesperson said the agency has contingency plans in place to maintain patient care with minimal interruptions. However, some patients might experience longer wait time or delays in appointments; she couldn’t say how long those delays or waits could get.

It’s unclear how long it will be until the agency can reconnect to the eHealth system.

Any patients with questions are asked to call the Allan Blair Cancer Centre or the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.