Waikato DHBs ‘cyber security’ outage may take longer to fix

Yesterday, Waikato DHBs faced a large scale ‘cyber security' incident, which caused a region-wide outage of its information systems and phone lines.

An update was published to the press this morning which says their teams worked overnight to recover the systems. So far, progress has been made.

The infected systems are being worked on to restore critical infrastructure. Relevant Government departments are working alongside the recovery to ensure a secure environment when re-established.

It will, however, take more time to resolve. “We currently have business continuity plans in place to keep our services running into the weekend,” a statement reads.

“We are currently working with other government departments to investigate the cause but are working on the theory that the initial incursion was via an email attachment. A forensic investigation is ongoing.”

Image: CC/ Google Maps

The outage continues to affect all of Waikato DHB hospitals services such as Waikato, Thames, Tokoroa, Te Kuiti and Taumarunui. It has caused some elective surgeries to be delayed.

Seventy-three out of one hundred and two elective surgeries that were planned for inpatients at Waikato Hospital will still go ahead. Six were cancelled, while ninety-five went ahead yesterday.

Thames Hospital has postponed elective surgeries and all outpatient activity. Rural hospitals have also been conceded.

Waikato DHB says Emergency Departments are to be used for emergencies only so care can be provided as part of critical services for patients. People who have urgencies about appointments were asked to contact their GP for further information and queries.

If it is an emergency, people are asked to call 111. Otherwise, they can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or contact their GP or local urgent care centre.

Image: SUPPLIED/Google Maps