Waikato at 80% of surgeries

Even as it struggles to regain control of its hacked computer systems, Waikato’s district health board says it will not pay a ransom.

Board chief executive Dr Kevin Snee said he did not know when the board would be able to regain control of computer networks hit by a sophisticated cyber attack this week.

He said the DHB was managing to complete 80 per cent of elective surgeries but asked people across the region to call ahead before turning up for appointments. However, he said those calling should expect longer than usual waiting times with phone lines clogged.

It’s certainly more serious than I first understood. Dr Kevin Snee

“It’s certainly more serious than I first understood. We now have a good understanding of it. It’s difficult to be certain when we will have things back up and running.”

The DHB’s entire information technologies system — including phones and computers — were brought down in the cyber security attack.

Waikato, Thames, Te Ku¯iti, Tokoroa and Taumarunui hospitals were all impacted by the cyber attack.

“We need to learn the lessons from this,” Snee said.

The DHB is working with its information services team and experts across government and private providers.

It’s understood fixing the services will take until at least next week.

Of 111 elective surgeries planned at Waikato Hospital on Thursday, 88 were able to proceed as scheduled, the DHB said.

Snee said the DHB’s IT staff had been working around the clock, with pressures spread across the system.