Antwerp’s AZ Monica Hospital Restores Electronic Health Records Following Cyberattack
AZ Monica Hospital in antwerp, Belgium, has successfully restored its electronic health records (EHR) three weeks after a important cyberattack, the hospital announced on February 5,2026. The restoration allows patients to digitally register at kiosks upon arrival, resuming a process disrupted by the attack.
Cyberattack Impact and Recovery
The cyberattack, which began in mid-January 2026, forced AZ Monica to rely on manual processes for several weeks.While core services continued, staff were required to perform tasks that were previously automated, leading to administrative burdens. The hospital’s systems in Antwerp and Deurne were affected, but remained partially functional due to the implementation of non-digital procedures and increased staffing.
Administrative Catch-Up
Despite the EHR restoration, a considerable backlog of administrative tasks remains. According to AZ monica Director Geert Smits, information recorded on paper during the three-week disruption must now be integrated into patient records. The hospital anticipates completing this administrative catch-up by the end of the week.
Remaining Challenges
While the restoration of EHRs marks a significant step forward, challenges persist. the hospital’s central sterilization department is still not fully operational, which is hindering the ability to increase surgical activity. This is a critical issue as a functioning sterilization department is essential for maintaining surgical schedules and patient safety.
Looking Ahead
“Even though we are aware of the road ahead, today marks an significant milestone,” stated Director Smits. “There is still a significant administrative backlog to be addressed, but we are optimistic – for our staff, our patients, and for the smooth functioning of the hospital.”
Key takeaways
- AZ Monica Hospital has restored electronic health records after a three-week cyberattack.
- Patients can now digitally register for appointments.
- A significant administrative backlog remains, requiring manual data entry.
- The central sterilization department is still offline, impacting surgical capacity.
The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks against healthcare institutions and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and disaster recovery plans.The hospital will likely be reviewing and strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent future disruptions. Further updates on the full restoration of services will be provided by AZ Monica as they become available.
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