An urgent high level government meeting is taking place tonight, as the Waikato DHB continues to be in the grip of a massive cyber attack.
Health Minister Andrew Little says the government has "stepped up" the crisis response. A group called the Officials' Committee for Domestic and External Security Co-ordination has been convened.
On the hospital floor the key focus is on cancer patients receiving radiation treatment. High-tech equipment has been rendered useless by the cyber attack - and the DHB fears that could compromise their condition.
Some patients requiring radiation treatment are being sent to Tauranga and Wellington, accompanied by clinical staff from Waikato to help ensure continuity of their treatment.
The option of sending any patients to Australia is seen as a last resort, but can't be ruled out.
Andrew McRae has the latest.
