Some services return, but no end in sight for N.L. health-care disruptions

As the Newfoundland and Labrador health-care system continues to contend with a debilitating cyberattack that has damaged communications and information databases, select services are slowly returning in the province's four regional health authorities.

During an update Friday afternoon, officials said they still can't share information about the nature of the attack or who is behind it for security reasons.

"Everyone wants answers, and our government is being as transparent as possible during this troubling time," said Premier Andrew Furey. "We are exclusively focused on keeping you informed in a way that continues to keep us all safe."

Furey, who has been criticized by members of the Opposition for his decision to attend COP26 this week, said he has been engaged in the government's response to the cyberattack all along.

"I remained focused on this issue," he said.

Furey said he's spoken with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of federal cabinet about the cyberattack.

Health Minister John Haggie said the province is in an unprecedented situation. 

The Meditech system used to facilitate core connectivity is coming back online in Eastern Health and Central Health, while Western Health plans to work on its network this weekend, according to Haggie. The regional health authorities are slowly bringing back services, but he couldn't give a timeline for when the restoration will be complete.

Some units are using digital systems, while others have reverted to paper methods.

Each regional health authority is providing a different level of service on Friday and heading into the weekend. 

Family physicians across the province are continuing to operate. All four regional health authorities will continue providing emergency services, although patients may experience delays due to the IT disruptions.

The health authorities are also providing COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, although the test result portal is unavailable. Public Health says patients will be contacted if their test is positive, and if they don't get a call after 72 hours they can assume their test is negative.

Haggie said the Department of Health has a working group looking at medical transportation and compensation for those who have had to travel for appointments that have been cancelled. He said a program announcement should come within days.

In a statement Thursday night, Eastern Health said most of Friday's non-emergency services have been cancelled.