A major computer outage is occurring in the facilities of the McGill University Health Center (MUHC), which is forcing the postponement of “certain outpatient appointments” and limiting laboratory and medical imaging requests “to the most urgent cases.” Since Friday evening, the Oacis platform, which notably allows consultation of electronic medical records, no longer works.
The MUHC confirmed this Duty THURSDAY. According to an internal memo we obtained, Oacis is experiencing “problems” for “technical reasons” following an update. Management asks doctors not to request laboratory (blood tests) or medical imaging via the platform. Orders must be made in writing. The results are communicated in writing, by telephone or via another “PACS” computer system.
The MUHC says it has “put in place a contingency plan that allows units to access patient files and receive results.” “Despite this, access to patient information is slower than with Oacis and, as a result, we have had to postpone some outpatient appointments and limit laboratory and medical imaging requests to the most urgent cases” , we specify in an email.
The establishment ensures that “teams are working around the clock with external support to remedy the situation as quickly as possible”.
The outage affects the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Montreal Children’s Hospital and the Lachine Hospital.
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