During August and September, a team of My Health Record experts will be visiting community resource centres (CRCs) in Williams, Darkan, Boddington, Narrogin, Pingelly, Wickepin, Kulin, Lake Grace, Hyden and Kondinin to inform the community about the benefits of My Health Record, and how to opt-out, if they wish.
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.
WA Primary Health Alliance regional manager for the Wheatbelt, Amy Ryan, said My Health Record will contribute to better patient outcomes and improved patient care.
“Working across the health sector, we see the need for more efficient information sharing. That is one of the significant benefits of My Health Record as it will connect the different health providers through one system and give people more insight and control of their own health information.”
Having a My Health Record has many advantages and it is easily accessible to authorised doctors, specialists, hospitals, and allied health professionals.
“How many people experience going to a specialist only to find out the scans or medical notes are not available, and they must have another scan and make another appointment? All of this will be a thing of the past once people are registered for a My Health Record,” Ms Ryan said.
Corrigin pharmacist Michelle Hooper said My Health Record will provide a clear view of people’s medications and their history of doctors’ and specialists’ visits, their pathology and their imaging.
“I set up a My Health Record for myself, my husband, my two children, and my parents and parents in law. It has given me peace of mind to have it, knowing that the doctors and the hospital they visit can refer to it,” Ms Hooper said.
Additional benefits include when medical emergencies arise when travelling interstate, a hospital can quickly access the person’s My Health Record, review their health summary and treat them appropriately, something that currently is not available.
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.
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/
More information on My Health Record can be found at https://www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/. People who do not want a My Health Record can opt out by visiting the My Health Record website 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.
During August and September, the My Health Record specialists’ team will be hosting community information sessions across the Wheatbelt at the following locations:
Tuesday 31 July
My Health Record Community session at Boddington CRC, 9.30am
My Health Record Community session at Williams CRC, 12.30pm
My Health Record Community session at Darkan CRC, 3pm
Wednesday 1 August
My Health Record Community session at Wickepin CRC, 11.30am
My Health Record Community session at Pingelly CRC, 1.45pm
My Health Record Community session at Lake Grace Hall, 5.30pm
Thursday 2 August
My Health Record Community session at Hyden CRC, 9.30am
My Health Record Community session at Kondinin CRC, 12.15pm
Monday 10 September
My Health Record Community session at Lancelin CRC, 9:30am
My Health Record Community session at Jurien Bay CRC, 12.30pm
My Health Record Community session at Delmoor centre in Moora, 4.30pm
Tuesday 11 September
My Health Record Community session at Dandaragan CRC, 9am
My Health Record Community session at Gingin CRC, 11:30am
My Health Record Community session at Bindoon Hall, 1:30pm
My Health Record Community session at York CRC, 5pm
Wednesday 12 September
My Health Record stall at Boulevard Shopping Centre in Northam; 9:30am – 11:30am
For more information:
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
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