The Australian Government’s digital health record system, My Health Record, was the focus of a recent Port Stephens Probus Club meeting.
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The club welcomed Dr Michael Bainbridge, the clinical reference lead at the Australian Digital Health Agency, and Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network representatives to the August 9 meeting at Nelson Bay Bowling Club.
Dr. Bainbridge spoke to about 100 Probus members about the need for Australia’s health system to move to digital to cope with an ageing population.
“My Health Record empowers Australians to better manage their health by putting them in control of all their important details,” he said.
“Important diagnoses, medicines, allergies, pathology and diagnostic imaging reports, and hospital discharge summaries are all able to be shared, but only with the people and professionals you want to.”
The e-health record system has not been without its controversy. When announced earlier in 2018, the record system was met with concerns about privacy and security.
On Wednesday, August 15, the government supported a move to launch a parliamentary inquiry into My Health Record which will look at privacy concerns and other issues with the system.
During his visit to Nelson Bay, Dr. Bainbridge explained to the Probus group how the My Health Record system works and answered a wide range of questions.
“We enjoyed the opportunity to speak face to face with an expert about this very important subject,” Probus club president Ann Gibson said.
Primary health networks across the country have joined the Australian Digital Health Agency to provide opportunities for communities to speak with professionals about My Health Record.
“Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network is very pleased to be providing education opportunities to both providers and the general public about My Health Record,” Richard Nankervis, chief executive of the Hunter and Central Coast network, said.
“We are committed to providing accurate information about what My Health Record is capable of doing so that everyone can weigh up the benefits.”
All Australians with a Medicare or Department of Veterans Affairs card will be automatically enrolled in My Health Record if they do not opt out by the November 15 deadline.
For more information or to opt out phone 1800 723 471 or go to MyHealthRecord.gov.au.
Port residents who would like to request a guest speaker for their community group can do so by contacting the network on 0447 049 159 or edarby@hneccphn.com.au.
