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People have the chance to learn more about the benefits of My Health Record and their right to opt out should they choose not to have a digital health record.
Thirty one primary health networks across Australia are joining the Australian Digital Health Agency to engage with consumers at grassroots level.
This engagement could include, a mixture of stalls at community events, information booths at libraries and local hospitals, along with attendance at social and community groups’ meetings.
CEO Tim Kelsey said the agency along with governments, primary health networks and clinical and consumer peak groups have been working with care professionals for the last six months to ensure they are aware of the My Health Record and the opt out period.
North Coast primary health network acting chief executive Sharyn White says the organisation will provide education opportunities to providers and the public.
“North Coast PHN is pleased to provide education opportunities to both providers and the general public about My Health Record,” she said.
“In the consumer arena, people will be able to have meaningful conversations with our North Coast PHN’s community engagement officer and attend presentations to get the facts on the system.
“We are committed to providing accurate information about what My Health Record is capable of doing so that everyone can weigh up the benefits.
We are committed to providing accurate information about what My Health Record is capable of doing so that everyone can weigh up the benefits.
- Sharyn White
“Most people for example don’t know that each person’s My Health Record is empty until activated by the first medical practitioner using it or the individual opening it for the first time. Any concerns about past medical history being automatically uploaded can be debunked.
“People also might be surprised to know that they can link their record to another loved ones in the case of care situations.
“For parents this means they can manage their kid’s account as an Authorised Representative. In the case of elderly parents, they can appoint their adult child to be a Nominated Representative to receive timely information shared by their medical practitioner.
“This is a great advantage for families to stay connected and involved. Being fully informed in their loved ones health journeys can bring peace of mind.
“In our area we are going to have a mixture of stalls at community events, information booths at libraries and local hospitals, attendance at meetings of both local community groups and social services organisations.
“If a local resident has a group they belong to that they wish to have our Community Engagement Officer attend, we encourage them to contact us on 6618 5400 or email enquiries@ncphn.org.au,” Ms White said.
The opt out period runs from July 16 until October 15, 2018 with consumers invited to view the www.myhealthrecord.gov.au or call 1800 723 471 for more information.