Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis and Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham were hit by a cyberattack on Tuesday evening, prompting the parent organization, Luminis Health, to issue an urgent alert. The breach has disrupted several internal systems, including those used to coordinate patient transport.
Impact on Emergency Services
Because of the compromised systems, local ambulance services have been instructed to reroute non‑critical patients to nearby facilities that are not affected by the incident. Critical emergencies continue to be handled at the two hospitals, but the diversion may increase travel times for patients with less urgent needs.
Luminis Health’s Response
In its public statement, Luminis Health confirmed that it is “currently responding to a cybersecurity incident affecting certain systems across our organization.” The organization said it took immediate steps to contain the breach and launched an investigation with the assistance of legal counsel and third‑party cybersecurity experts.
“Our priority is the safety and well‑being of our patients, staff, and community,” the alert read. “We are working around the clock to restore full functionality and will keep the public informed as we learn more about the scope of the attack.”
What Residents Should Know
Patients scheduled for non‑emergency procedures at either hospital are advised to check with their providers for any changes to appointment times or locations. The hospitals have set up dedicated phone lines to field questions and provide updates.
Local emergency medical services (EMS) have coordinated with neighboring hospitals to ensure that critical care remains uninterrupted. Residents can expect continued rapid response for life‑threatening situations, but may experience longer wait times for transport of less urgent cases.
Broader Context
Cybersecurity threats to healthcare providers have risen nationally, with ransomware and data‑theft attacks targeting hospitals, clinics, and health systems. These incidents can jeopardize patient records, delay care, and strain already‑busy emergency services.
State health officials have urged all Maryland health facilities to review and strengthen their cyber defenses, emphasizing the importance of regular system updates, employee training, and robust backup protocols.
Looking Ahead
Luminis Health has not disclosed the exact nature of the data potentially accessed, but it assures that patient privacy remains a top concern. The organization expects to have a clearer picture of the breach within the next 48‑72 hours and will provide further details as the investigation progresses.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed through official hospital communications and to report any suspicious activity related to personal health information.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
