A ransomware attack on University Medical Center Health System in Lubbock, Texas, has prompted the diversion of ambulances and a temporary halt to patient admissions due to significant IT outages. As the only level 1 trauma center within a 400-mile radius, UMC's closure of emergency services raises concerns about access to critical care. While some clinics remain operational under limited capabilities, patients face delays and are advised to bring physical copies of their medical records due to staff's inability to access electronic files. The attack has also disrupted radiology services and communication systems, and the hospital is working with experts to restore functionality while keeping affected patients informed. This incident follows a prior data breach earlier this year.

Ransomware Attack Disrupts Emergency Care at Texas Medical Center The Record

Particle Health has filed a lawsuit against Epic Systems in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accusing the company of monopolistic practices that restrict access to U.S. medical records and limit competition. The lawsuit alleges that Epic is using its dominant position to hinder access to patient data, particularly affecting Particle's payer software platform designed for health plans. Despite the claims, Epic has dismissed the lawsuit as unfounded. Founded in 2018, Particle Health is focused on improving healthcare interoperability through a data exchange platform and is a participant in the nationwide Carequality network.

Particle Health Challenges Epic Systems in High-Stakes EHR Lawsuit Becker's Hospital Review

AI Offers Hope to Combat Burnout Among Women Physicians American Medical Association

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) demonstrated effective disaster management during Hurricane Helene by applying lessons learned from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Under CEO John Couris, the hospital took several precautionary measures, such as stockpiling supplies and deploying protective systems like AquaFence to reduce flood risks. Central to its preparedness was the activation of an emergency command center three days before the storm, utilizing AI and predictive analytics for real-time decision-making. TGH emphasized a two-tier staffing model to ensure operational continuity and conducted regular disaster drills to train staff in emergency protocols, reinforcing the importance of water supply strategies to avoid evacuation scenarios.

Tampa General Hospital's Strategic Prep Ensures Safety During Hurricane Helene HealthLeaders