Manx Care Reinstates Dental Services Post Cyber Attack: A Step Forward in Healthcare Cybersecurity

Manx Care Overcomes Cyber Attack to Resume Dental Services

Healthcare services are now more digital than ever, making them a ripe target for cyber attacks. Hillside Dental, a dental practice in Douglas, recently experienced this first-hand. The practice was due to be taken over by Manx Care from Regent Health Services on December 1. However, a cyber attack caused a delay in this transition, affecting the operations and services at the dental clinic.

Despite the unforeseen circumstances, Manx Care has managed to find a workaround to the situation, reinstating services at Hillside Dental. The clinic, which has approximately 6,600 registered patients, continues to deliver emergency appointments. However, future appointments booked with the former operators have been cancelled to prioritize examinations for children and patients who have not been seen for a considerable time.

Cyber Attack Affects Dental Software Program

The dental software program of the practice was hit by a cyber attack a week before the takeover. This attack complicated the planned introduction of a new IT system for the clinic. In response, Manx Care replicated the system currently used by the community dental service as a short-term measure. While routine examinations are not being booked at this time, the organization is focusing on delivering emergency appointments and serving those patients who have been waiting for a long time.

Healthcare Cybersecurity: An Increasing Concern

The incident at Hillside Dental signifies a greater threat facing the healthcare sector globally - cyber attacks. The number of patient records exposed in data breaches is expected to double by 2023. This underlines the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare. Collaboration among healthcare organizations, cybersecurity experts, and government agencies is crucial to mitigate the risk of breaches and protect patient privacy and security.

The repercussions of these breaches are severe, exposing patients to significant risks and healthcare organizations to potential legal and financial consequences. Cybercrime is projected to reach a staggering $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, with cybersecurity revenues expected to hit $344 billion worldwide by 2030. These figures underscore the urgency and importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare.

Looking Forward: Enhanced Service Delivery and Patient Care

Despite the challenges, Manx Care's takeover of Hillside Dental signals a beacon of relief for the local community. The clinic's reopening not only provides necessary dental services but also brings with it a commitment to enhanced service delivery and patient care. Jason E Topolosky's appointment as the Chief Business Officer at OsteoCentric Technologies is a testament to this commitment.

While the incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of the healthcare sector to cyber threats, it also showcases the resilience and adaptability of organizations like Manx Care. The healthcare body urges patients to be patient during this transition period to allow for the fair prioritization of patient lists.