Hospitals in Windsor, Chatham, and Sarnia are experiencing difficulties with their computer systems and email after a shared service provider suffered a cyber attack.
Windsor Regional Hospital, Erie Shores Healthcare, and Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare are impacted along with Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and Bluewater Health in Sarnia.
A joint release from the hospitals said it is investigating to see if any patient information was compromised.
They also warn patients they may have to reschedule appointments in the coming days.
"For those patients who have care scheduled in the next few days, we will contact you directly, if possible, to reschedule or provide alternate arrangements," read the statement. "Unfortunately, we may not be able to reach all patients, and we request your understanding if we are required to reschedule care in person at our facilities."
TransForm Shared Service Organization, a non-profit used by the five hospitals, confirmed the outage Monday.
"Currently, our member hospitals and Windsor-Essex Hospice are experiencing a systems outage including email," read a statement from TransForm. "If your patients have a pre-booked appointment, please be advised they might be delayed or postponed. We encourage the use of appropriate community health services rather than going to the Emergency Department unless it is a true emergency. Thank you for your patience."
The hospitals ask patients who do not require emergency care to call their primary care provider or local clinic "to reduce the impact upon the hospitals as we work towards addressing these issues and focus on those needing hospital care."
Windsor Regional Hospital is urging patients to call (519) 254-5577 if they have a question or concern about an appointment, and their call will be directed "as best as we can".