Cyberattack Exposes Patient Information Across Partnered Health Clinics
16 Jul 2026
A major cyberattack has compromised patient information at multiple general practices across Australia, with personal and medical records accessed by a malicious third party.
Partnered Health confirmed that 21 clinics across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory were affected after detecting unauthorised access to its systems on 23 June.
The healthcare provider, which operates 57 general practices and skin cancer clinics, said the stolen information may include:
- Names, dates of birth, addresses and contact details
- Medicare, private health insurance, veteran and concession card numbers
- Medical records, treatment information, consultation notes, referral letters, and pathology or diagnostic test results
Partnered Health said it acted immediately to contain the incident and has launched an investigation to determine the full extent of the data breach.
The organisation apologised to patients, doctors and staff, stating it is continuing to assess what information has been affected. Anyone identified as being impacted will be contacted directly and offered support.
RACGP Expert Committee – Practice Technology Chair Dr Rob Hosking said the incident is a timely reminder for general practices to strengthen their cyber security.
He encouraged GPs to keep software up to date, provide cyber security training for staff and remain cautious of suspicious emails or links that could expose practice systems.
Professor David Parry, Dean of the School of IT at Murdoch University, advised affected patients to remain alert for unexpected emails, text messages or phone calls that may attempt to misuse their personal information.
Partnered Health has also urged patients to verify the identity of anyone requesting personal information and to avoid opening suspicious links or attachments.
The cyberattack was disclosed shortly after Bupa announced plans to acquire Partnered Health and its network of healthcare services.
The RACGP continues to provide resources to help general practices improve cyber security, prepare for cyber incidents and respond effectively to data breaches.
Cyberattack Exposes Patient Information Across Partnered Health Clinics
Source: newsGP (RACGP)