From 7 to 12 August, a team of My Health Record experts will be visiting the Great Southern to inform communities about the benefits of My Health Record, and how to opt-out, if they wish.
The tour coincides with Dying to Know Day on 8 August that encourages conversations among individuals and community groups around dying, death and bereavement.
My Health Record can play a key role in end of life planning and making sure health providers and family are fully aware of a person’s requests regarding their end of life care.
Retired Albany school principal, Dot Price, confirmed that My Health Record provides her with the opportunity to upload a copy of her Advance Health Directive, a legal document that allows decisions to be made now about future care.
“I know that my wishes, if I were to find myself in a position where I’m unable to communicate, will be respected,” Mrs Price said.
Mrs Price and her husband also use My Health Record when they travel, so they always have access to their important medical information, like medications.
“When we are travelling, My Health Record provides extra security and peace of mind for any medical situation we might find ourselves in,” Mrs Price said.
WA Primary Health Alliance regional manager for the Great Southern, Lesley Pearson, said My Health Record will contribute to improved patient care and better health outcomes, as the digital health record is easily accessible to GPs, specialists and allied health professionals such as pharmacists.
“How many people experience going to a specialist, or their GP after being in hospital, only to find out that results, medical notes or medication details are not available,” Ms Pearson said.
“This will be a thing of the past once people are registered for a My Health Record, as all this information can be uploaded by the healthcare providers who have treated you.”
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.
The My Health Record team will be hosting community information sessions at the following locations:
Wednesday 8 August
Albany: My Health Record Community session at Probus Club of Albany, 11am
Nyabing: My Health Record Community session in Nyabing Sports Pavillion, 4.30pm
Albany: My Health Record Community session at Dylans on the Terrace in Albany, 6pm
Thursday 9 August
Tambellup: My Health Record Community session at Tambellup Community Resource Centre, 9.30am
Albany: My Health Record Community session at St Ives Retirement Village Albany, 2pm
Albany: My Health Record Community session at Beryl Grant Community Centre in Albany, 5.30pm
Friday 10 August
Albany: My Health Record Stall and presentation at Dying to Know Expo in Albany – all day
For more information:
Fiona Clark – WA Primary Health Alliance Media Contact
0437 563 735 – fiona.clark@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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