Why wouldn’t you get a My Health Record?

Leeton’s local University of the Third Age (U3A) group recently hosted the digital health team from Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) to inform its members of the national My Health Record system, which is an online summary of your key health information such as medical conditions, medicines, allergies and test results.

Leeton U3A President Don Graham said feedback from the members after the presentation was overwhelmingly positive.

“Our members all agreed they feel much better informed about the system and are in a better position to make their choice around opting out or not,” Mr Graham said.

At its conclusion, Leeton U3A Vice President Greg Brown said the presentation by Monica McInnes and Megan Davies from MPHN was balanced and all members had their concerns addressed.

“I don’t understand why there has been so much negative media around My Health Record. Monica and Megan comprehensively informed us about the benefits and features of the record, allayed any concerns some of us had around privacy and security and, on balance, I feel the benefits of having a My Health Record far outweigh any of the negativity in the media of late,” Mr Brown said.

“I would certainly encourage locals to learn more about the system – you may be surprised at how much control you have over your records from putting codes on the whole system, to removing documents from view, adding text message or email alerts when your record is accessed and being able to view an audit log of what healthcare providers have accessed the system,” he said.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said the positive response from the Leeton U3A group is being echoed throughout the wider Murrumbidgee PHN community.

“It’s great to see people reflect on how My Health Record can benefit them and their families, especially around the various privacy and security mechanisms that help control what’s included in their My Health Record and what healthcare providers can access this information,” Ms Neal said.

“Our digital health team will continue attending local events and I encourage community groups to get in touch to arrange an information session for your members,” she said.

MPHN’s digital health team will be attending the Leeton Lions Club on Monday, 20 August in the dining room at the Historic Hydro Motor Inn on Chelmsford Place. Non-members are welcome to attend, arrive by 7pm for a 7:30pm start. Other local opportunities to talk to community groups about My Health Record are welcomed, please get in touch with the team via email – digitalhealth@mphn.org.au.

To find an event near you follow MPHN Facebook and Twitter pages or to learn more about My Health Record visit www.MyHealthRecord.gov.au or call the helpline 1800 723 471.

Learn more about how your privacy is protected here.