UNM Hospital Diverts Patients After Cyberattack

The University of New Mexico Health System diverted emergency patients to other facilities on Monday after a cybersecurity issue forced it to shut down operations at its main hospital in Albuquerque. The disruption left the state without a Level 1 trauma center, which is the highest classification for emergency care and the only one of its kind in New Mexico. Ambulances arriving at the hospital were sent to other sites to stabilize patients while the system worked to restore digital functions.

UNM Health System instructed the public not to visit its primary hospital and canceled appointments across its network of more than 30 clinics. The university also closed its Health Sciences Center, which serves as the state’s largest academic medical center, and canceled classes for the day. Hospital officials stated they were actively working to resolve the issue, though they did not immediately disclose the specific nature or full extent of the breach. The network typically handles approximately 900,000 outpatient visits and 100,000 emergency room visits annually.

The incident occurs during a period of heightened concern regarding the security of digital infrastructure supporting essential services like healthcare and banking. While the immediate operational details remain limited, the closure impacts a major hub for medical care in the region. The hospital system’s reliance on digital records and scheduling systems meant that a single technical failure could halt services across multiple locations simultaneously.

State officials and medical providers are monitoring the situation as the hospital network seeks to regain full functionality. The absence of a Level 1 trauma center requires other facilities in Albuquerque to manage the most severe injuries until the UNM system reopens. Patients with scheduled appointments at the 30 affected clinics are being notified of cancellations and rescheduling options.

The university confirmed the closure extends to all academic and clinical activities at the Health Sciences Center. This includes the suspension of teaching programs that depend on inpatient care. The health system continues to evaluate the security of its networks to prevent further disruptions to patient care.

Next steps include restoring access to electronic medical records and reopening outpatient clinics. The hospital expects to provide further updates as the technical team completes its assessment. Emergency departments at other local hospitals are preparing for increased traffic during this period.

The UNM Health System remains the primary provider for complex cases in the state. Its temporary closure highlights the operational risks associated with centralized medical networks. The university will announce when the main hospital in Albuquerque reopens to the public.