Manage My Health Security Breach patient resources

What's happened?

Over the last weeks, Manage My Health, a patient portal many general practices use, reported a cyber security breach.

There was unauthorised access to the ‘Health Documents’ part of the platform only for many thousands of users in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We know this has been alarming for many people who don't know if they are affected/impacted, or who have now heard that they are affected.

Manage My Health has advised that the issue has been fully contained, that the system is safe to use, and this is now a criminal investigation.

From January 8, they have been notifying people about their status, impacted or not impacted. Manage My Health will provide an 0800 number for impacted patients (reference will be provided). This helpline is operated by Whakarongarau and is open during business hours.

Supporting your wellbeing

We understand that learning your personal information may have been involved can be upsetting. This handout is to support your wellbeing and help you know how to look after yourself.

It’s normal to feel this way

A privacy breach can affect people in different ways. You may experience:

Worry or anxiety about how your information might be used

  • Anger, frustration, or loss of trust or control

  • Feeling unsettled or distracted

  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating

These reactions are normal and understandable.

Talk with someone you trust about how you are feeling.

  • Limit how much time you spend reading about the breach if it increases anxiety

  • Stick to routines that support your wellbeing e.g. physical exercise, social connection, gardening, crafts, cooking, taking part in usual club/group activities

  • Use calming strategies such as breathing exercises or grounding techniques

  • Contact your local health provider if you continue to feel distressed or are feeling overwhelmed and need additional support. You do not have to deal with this alone.

 

Free support services (Aotearoa New Zealand)

  • 1737 – Call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor, free, anytime

  • Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

  • Mental Health Emergency Team 0800 467 846

  • An Access and Choice team may be available in your General Practice. A Health Improvement Practitioner and Health Coach can offer free 30min appointments to support your wellbeing, call your General Practice reception to book an appointment or visit https://wellsouth.nz/your-health/mental-health-and-wellbeing/toku-oranga-access-and-choice for more information and support.

  • If your General Practice does not have an Access and Choice team, ask your healthcare provider to submit a Brief Intervention Service referral for additional wellbeing support. If you are affected by the breach, you will be prioritised for this service.

  • for more helpful resources please visit https://mentalhealth.org.nz/

 

Keeping yourself safe online

If you are interested in learning more about how to stay safe online, visit https://healthify.nz/assets/Apps-library/updated-Privacy-and-security-tips-when-using-health-apps-Healthify-info-665x443-2.pdf 

FAQs for patients

Manage My Health has a general FAQS webpage, but here are some more updated and specific FAQs regarding access and removal of health documents and closing of accounts. 

AFFECTED PATIENTS FAQ, Affected Patient FAQs 5pm 7th Jan from MMH (Version dated 5pm 7 Jan 2025). 

Useful links