RETIRED teacher Dot Price was one of more 100 senior residents to learn more about the Government’s new online health recording system.
She features in a video promoting ‘My Health Record’ as a safer, more convenient and safer way of storing personal health information.
Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said the patient-centred digital system helped health professionals deliver the best care.
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READ NOWAustralian Digital Health Agency chief executive Tim Kelsey joined the Minister in Guildford yesterday at the nation’s first community information session.
Mr Wyatt said he wanted to get the message out to the more than 8000 residents aged 65 and over in the electorate of Hasluck.
“My Health Record empowers Australians to take better control of their health and provides secure access to patients’ health information at the point of care,” he said.
“Local people often tell me they are tired of being asked the same questions when they go to see a health professional.
“This can be particularly frustrating for older Australians, who may be taking a number of medications and seeing a number of doctors.
“I also hear examples of older people being admitted to hospital and not receiving the medications they have been prescribed, because no one knew what they were supposed to be taking.”
My Health Record holds information from across the health system, from a GP uploading a shared health summary record to Medicare data, pathology and radiology reports, and hospital discharge summaries.
“My Health Record places the consumer at the centre, with the power to add, remove and restrict access to certain information,” Mr Wyatt said.
“So you get to decide who sees your health information, and all of your healthcare team can share the same information together.
“It gives Australians the freedom to travel anywhere in Australia, knowing they have instant access to safe and secure digital health records, including care plans.”
Mrs Price said the online system was a comfort to her and her husband.
“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.
“My Health Record also provides me with the ability to upload my advanced care planning, so I know my wishes will be respected and have legal status.”
Mr Wyatt said the system had clear benefits to health care.
“I want senior Australians in particular to benefit from this investment, especially the many mobile ‘grey nomads’ who are enjoying our wonderful country and will be able to make the most of more connected care.”
He said the system would allow every Australian to have a My Health Record by December 2018 unless they prefer not to opt in.
Mr Kelsey said more than five million Australians already are using My Health Record.
To register, go to https://myhealthrecord.gov.au.
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