Routine maintenance mishap caused hourslong network outage at UNC hospitals

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- UNC Health hospitals had to divert some new patients for about three hours Wednesday night due to a computer network outage.

It took place around 7:30-10:30 p.m. The hospital group confirmed Thursday morning the outage was self-inflicted.

Routine maintenance on the hospital computer network caused the outage. UNC Hospitals said there was no malicious activity or any sort of cyberattack.

UNC Hospitals said it was working with the vendors who did the maintenance to determine what happened and prevent it from happening again.

During the outage, the hospital diverted ambulances in the area to take patients to other hospitals. However, local walk-in patients with emergencies were still accepted.

"Our hospital staff's response to this situation was phenomenal. They came together and continued to provide high level care to all of our patients. We applaud our nurses, physicians, pharmacists and other providers who work tirelessly to provide excellent patient care at all times," a hospital spokesperson said.