The state opposition is claiming the internet cyber attacks that crippled south-west and Gippsland hospitals systems is more widespread than admitted by the government.
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Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said that despite the state government playing down the severity of the issue, an email from Latrobe Regional Hospital clearly shows the impact the cyber ransomware attack was having on the ongoing operations of the hospital.
She said the email detailed that the attack on the Traralgon hospital in October was now forcing staff to have to breach the state government's IT policy by using their personal emails to send data.
Ms Crozier said state Premier Daniel Andrews had sought to play down the attacks every step of the way but the truth, and devastating impact of these attacks, was becoming clear.
She said that was despite Health Minister Jenny Mikakos saying in October: "There was no impact to patient care and no exposure of patient information."
The opposition spokeswoman questioned whether, as hospital staff were forced to use personal email addresses to communicate, how can Victorians be assured their personal medical health records have not been compromised?
"The Andrews Labor Government is trying hard to divert attention away from these attacks which continue to plague regional hospitals," Ms Crozier said.
"Despite a clear warning from the auditor-general that a cyber-attack on Victorian hospitals was imminent, Daniel Andrews has arrogantly refused to provide the funding hospitals urgently need to fix the current mess and defend themselves from future attacks.
"The impact of Daniel Andrews' savage cuts to Victoria's hospitals continue to get worse and the health and safety of Victorian patients are being placed at risk," she claimed.
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