Ransomware attack forces New Mexico hospital to divert ambulances, close clinics

· Cybersecurity · United States

The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center disclosed a cyberattack that knocked out systems and disrupted patient care and academic activities. For about two hours on Monday the organization diverted ambulances to other health systems in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and it suspended outpatient surgeries and appointments for the rest of the day. More than 30 clinics canceled appointments and the health system told people not to come to its main hospital in Albuquerque. The incident is a ransomware attack, according to the disclosure, and it shows how a single intrusion can immediately hit clinical operations at a large public academic medical center. The immediate effect is continued disruption to appointments and procedures while systems are restored.

Why it matters：Healthcare providers remain prime ransomware targets, and attacks that force ambulance diversions show how cyber incidents translate directly into patient-safety risk and pressure on regulators and insurers.

Key points

  • Ambulances were diverted for about two hours to health systems in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
  • Outpatient surgeries and appointments were suspended for the remainder of Monday.
  • More than 30 clinics canceled appointments and the main Albuquerque hospital was closed to walk-ins.

Sources (original reporting)

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