N.L. health-care workers got an email promising a day off — but it was only a cybersecurity test

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Employees of Newfoundland and Labrador’s health authority recently received an email thanking them for their hard work in recent months with the promise of a day off — only to find out it was all just a cybersecurity test.

In an email obtained by CBC News, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services said in recognition of the work they’d put in during the recent implementation of the new digital health information system CorCare, all employees would receive a paid day off.

The email — which was titled “June Holiday” — contained instructions to register for the day off by June 17 by clicking on a link.

“Thank you for the care, professionalism, and commitment you continue to bring to N.L. Health Services and to the people and community we serve,” the email concluded.

However, it turned out the email was sent as part of an internal cybersecurity test to track employees who clicked on the link.

NLHS has apologized for sending out a phishing email that promised health-care workers a paid day off. (NLHS)

In an email sent Wednesday, vice president of digital health and interim chief information officer Steve Lockyer apologized for what he called the “cybersecurity awareness email.”

“We are taking a step back to review how these exercises are developed and communicated to ensure they reflect the respectful and supportive culture we strive to foster,” he wrote.

‘Very poor taste,’ says RNU president

Organizations that represent health-care workers have been quick to slam the province’s health authority over the move.

Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador president Yvette Coffey said while cybersecurity education is important, nurses are upset over the email at a time when many are stressed over working conditions.

Yvette Coffey,…

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