Female prisoner still on the run after escaping hospital during cancer treatment

CCTV images of prisoner Natasha Strickland running through Auckland City Hospital. Photo / Supplied

A prisoner who gave her guards the slip while being treated for cancer at Auckland City Hospital is still on the run almost a month later.

New CCTV images show the fugitive running through the hospital, changing clothes and looking over her shoulder as she makes her break for freedom.

Natasha Jane Strickland was on remand at Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility for drug offences but had been escorted to hospital by guards to receive ongoing cancer treatment.

The 41-year-old escaped custody late in the morning on October 19.

An email sent to hospital staff, and released to the Herald under the Official Information Act, shows staff were alerted at 2.09pm that a patient had gone missing late that morning.

"We have activated our security procedures, including limiting access to Auckland City Hospital, and an increased security presence. We are liaising with the Department of Corrections and the police," the email said.

The hospital was staying open to patients and visitors but swipe card access would be required in some areas, the email said.

A CCTV still sent to staff shows Strickland running down a hospital hallway wearing a light-coloured hoodie and undershirt. Staff were warned not to approach her but to call 777 and ask for "code orange" if they spotted her.

At 3.35pm another email was sent to all staff with a second image of Strickland wearing a black singlet and looking over her shoulder. Staff were told to call 777 in the "unlikely event" they saw the woman.

A second CCTV image was sent out but staff were told they were unlikely to see Strickland in the hospital. Photo / Supplied

Strickland's case featured on Police 10-7 last week, with a request from Waitakere police to help find her.

She was described as 167cm tall and of solid build. Police said she was actively avoiding them and had contacts across Auckland.

Police confirmed last night they have still not found Strickland but are making active inquiries to locate her.

Corrections declined to comment, saying the issue was now a police matter. A full investigation was being carried out into the incident by Corrections but it is not known if that inquiry has been concluded.