AZ Monica Hospital Shuts Servers After Cyberattack

A cyberattack forced Belgium’s AZ Monica hospital to shut down its servers early Wednesday morning, disrupting medical services and prompting the transfer of several critical patients. The hospital, which operates two campuses in Antwerp and Deurne, specializes in acute and outpatient care and disconnected its systems precisely at 6:32 a.m. in response to the breach.

The shutdown halted scheduled surgeries and limited operations in the emergency department. Seven critical patients were transferred with Red Cross support, while other patients continued receiving care. AZ Monica postponed non-urgent consultations, citing staff’s inability to access digital medical records.

Authorities and prosecutors launched an investigation, though the hospital has not confirmed claims of a ransom demand. Ambulances are not transporting patients to the hospital’s emergency department due to reduced capacity.

The hospital stressed that patient safety remains its top priority as it works to restore systems. AZ Monica hospital continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates.

AZ Monica hospital in Belgium shuts down servers after cyberattack