From Saturday 25 to Wednesday 29 August, a team of My Health Record experts will be visiting Broome to inform the community about the benefits of My Health Record, and how to opt-out, if they wish.
The tour coincides with Shinju Matsuri, Festival of the Pearl which is a celebration of Broome’s rich multicultural history as a world-renowned pearling centre that is evident today in the diversity of its population.
WA Primary Health Alliance regional manager for the Kimberley, Andrew McGaw, said My Health Record will be of benefit to all Kimberley residents, regardless of their ancestry or country of birth.
“A patient’s cultural background can be a barrier when accessing health services due to medical terminology and language. In these situations, My Health Record will assist by providing the doctor with a concise summary of the patient’s key health information such as allergies and medications.”
“Over 30 per cent of the Kimberley’s population was born overseas and close to 50 per cent identifies as Indigenous. It can be a challenge for people for whom English is their second or even third language to explain their health history to a healthcare provider. My Health Record is a great tool for both patients and healthcare providers to rely on in such situations.
“Having a My Health Record has many advantages and it is easily accessible to authorised doctors, specialists, hospital staff and allied health professionals.
“It will be more convenient, not having to remember and repeat your medical history, including chronic conditions and medications, as all this information can be uploaded to the My Health Record by healthcare providers,” Mr McGaw said.
By the end of 2018, every Australian will have a digital My Health Record, unless they actively choose not to have one.
Having a My Health Record means that a summary of a person’s important health information like allergies, current conditions and treatments, medication details, pathology reports or diagnostic imaging reports can be digitally stored in one place.
To find an information session in your area, follow the My Health Record Facebook page www.facebook.com/MyHealthRec/ or visit www.wapha.org.au/events/
People who want more information or who do not want a My Health Record can opt out by visiting www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/ or by calling 1800 723 471 for phone-based assistance. Additional support is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with limited digital literacy, and those living in rural and remote regions.
Information in your language
Information about My Health Record is available in multiple languages and can be accessed here https://www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/for-you-your-family/howtos/information-in-your-language
My Health Record events
Saturday 25 August:
My Health Record Stall at Shinju Matsuri festival, including;
Court House Market in Broome
Sunday 26 August:
My Health Record Stall at Shinju Matsuri festival, including;
Mardi Gras Parade, Weld St to Male Oval, Broome
Monday 27 August:
My Health Record Stall at Shinju Matsuri festival, including;
A View to Asia Sculptures, Cable Beach
Pets in the Park, Broome Civic Centre Lawns
Tuesday 28 August:
My Health Record Stall at Shinju Matsuri festival, including;
Presentation at Senior Citizen Morning Tea, Broome
Staircase to the Moon markets, Lions Pioneer Park, Broome
Wednesday 29 August:
My Health Record Stall at Shopping Centre, Broome
For more information:
Fiona Clark – WA Primary Health Alliance Media Contact
0437 563 735 – fiona.clark@wapha.org.au
Nienke Rozendaal – My Health Record WA Communication Coordinator
(08) 6278 7942 – 0429 680 167 – nienke.rozendaal@wapha.org.au
About WA Primary Health Alliance: WA Primary Health Alliance oversees the strategic commissioning functions of the Perth North, Perth South and Country WA Primary Health Networks (PHNs). The WA PHNs are three of 31 PHNs established by the Australian Government nationally to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for the community. We work across the WA healthcare system with doctors, allied health professionals, Area Health Services and service providers to improve the coordination of care for people who are at risk of poor health outcomes. For more information, visit www.wapha.org.au
MEDIA RELEASE: MEDIA RELEASE_My Health Record Roadshow KIMBERLEY_Final