Campbell County Memorial Hospital

By Tim Mandese, Cowboy State Daily

Gillette — A “ransomware” virus shut down the Campbell County Health computer system on Friday, forcing the Campbell County Memorial Hospital to direct incoming emergency patients to other facilities, according to the health system’s website.

According to the CCH website, “All CCH computer systems have been affected, which impacts the organization’s ability to provide patient care.”

“We have processes in place to continue to treat inpatients appropriately and safely,” Colleen Heeter, Chief Operating Officer, said in the statement. “We will continue to update this information as it becomes available.” 

CCH first became aware of the ransomware attack about 3 a.m. Friday morning. As of Friday night, there was no information as to when computer systems would be restored. 

Services disrupted at at CCH include:

• No outpatient lab, respiratory therapy and radiology exams or procedures;
• No new inpatient admissions;
• Some surgery cancellations;
• Patients coming to the emergency department and walk-in clinic will be triaged and transferred to an appropriate care facility if needed.

Patients are urged that before coming to appointments, to contact their clinic or department to see if they still scheduled. Phone systems remain operational.

According to Dame Joslyn, CCH Public Information Spokesperson, current patients are being treated as normal, but new patients are being diverted to hospitals in Casper, Sheridan and Rapid City, South Dakota. 

“We have transferred six patients since 11:30 Friday morning.” “We (CCH) have enlisted numerous local, state and federal officials,” added Joslyn.