Southland and Otago cancer patients are still travelling to Christchurch for treatment under alert level 4. The Southern District Health Board is looking for ways to make up lost time when restrictions ease.
Photo by kiwinz/Flickr
Yesterday, hackers who launched a cyberattack on Waikato District Health Board s system released patient information to several media outlets, including the NZ Herald. We are aware that the media have received what appears to be personal and patient information from Waikato DHB information systems, the hospital group said in an update.
The media agencies refused to divulge the information publicly and have turned it over to the police.
Since then, Waikato DHB has set up a 24/7 privacy helpline, which has taken 34 calls as of today.
WHY IT MATTERS
In a separate statement, Privacy Commissioner John Edwards said he expects Waikato DHB to notify and offer support to the individuals identified in that information without delay .
“In radiation oncology, we are 100 per cent reliant on computers,” radiation oncology clinical director Dr Cristian Hartopeneau said on Wednesday. “What it meant was, with Tuesday morning, we were in complete darkness. “When we start treatment with radiotherapy we want them finished in those planned schedules. Interruptions are not good.” Those at higher risk of bad outcomes were being prioritised for alternative treatment plans. The DHB had made plans for about 70 patients already being treated when the hack happened and patients had been understanding, he said. “As we speak today, we already have patients that have been seen and are on treatment in Tauranga at a private facility.”