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Dec 08, 2021

Media Release : Code Grey - All Clear: Suspicious Email Activity at Headwaters Health Care Centre

Note: We would like to acknowledge that communications have been challenging during this period and we have needed to find creative ways to share information. Please help us by sharing this message broadly. 
 
ORANGEVILLE, ON: This is to provide an update on the Code Grey – Loss of Essential Services implemented on November 25, 2021 is now “All Clear” and our systems are now restored.  As required, an incident management structure (IMS) was established to address access to clinical and support systems until the situation was resolved.

As we mentioned earlier, we determined that our system has been subjected to unauthorized access. Our Information Technology (IT) system and team noticed suspicious email activity and took immediate preventative action by shutting down the internal system as well as access to the internet, and external partners.

Cybersecurity experts continue to support the investigation into what happened and whether any sensitive data was exposed. This process is complex and will take some time. We are committed to being transparent and will notify individuals if we learn that any personal information has been exposed. As we move out of Code Grey today, this will be the last in our series of updates until we know more.

“Patient care is our top priority,” said Kim Delahunt, President and CEO. “We are grateful for our team including our staff and physicians who continued to provide excellent patient care even under the challenging circumstances.” 

At Headwaters, surgeries and outpatient services continued and the Emergency Department remained open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency care. Our COVID-19 Assessment Centre reopened on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. initially with appointment booking being done by phone. Our online booking system is now available.  
 
Access to our health information system and reports were delayed for several days to community partners, including primary care physicians as a result of this incident. We apologize for these delays.   

We appreciate your patience and the ongoing commitment of our staff, physicians and partners who exemplify our purpose of One Community, Caring Together.

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