University Hospitals Ohio takes systems offline after unusual server activity

University Hospitals in Ohio took systems offline Thursday after spotting unusual server activity. The move suspended MyChart and reduced website functions while the health system looked into the issue, according to DysruptionHub.

A UH spokesperson told Becker's Hospital Review that "there is currently no impact to patient care delivery" but "certain digital services are offline while we investigate." UH's statement to Becker's said the shutdown was precautionary and digital service disruptions could continue "for the next few days."

On Friday, UH's website told patients to phone their provider's office for questions about test results, appointments, or other needs because MyChart was still down. People wanting to schedule appointments were directed to a different phone number, and the page listed separate contacts for referrals, transfers, and billing. MyChart normally lets patients view health information, book appointments, and message their care teams.

UH initially reported on Thursday that multiple systems had internet connectivity trouble, then later disclosed the unusual server activity on Friday. UH told WJW it was working with outside specialists to assess the impact on hospital and outpatient operations, and it has not named every affected system or location.

The nonprofit is based in Cleveland and provides hospital, outpatient, and physician care across Northeast Ohio. UH has not called the unusual server activity a cyberattack, and it has not named any ransomware or specific attacker. Cleveland.com reported that UH did not say whether patient data was accessed.

The outage comes after DysruptionHub reported a similar patient-portal shutdown this week. Parkview Health, which serves Indiana and Ohio, took its network down after noticing suspicious activity, and MyChart access was interrupted. On Friday, Parkview's website stated that messaging, prescription refills, and scheduling were back, but billing and video visits were still offline.

It remains unknown whether patient data was exposed and when all digital services will be restored.