Message from the CEO: My Health Record

In response to concerns raised by our members, CoMHWA is investigating the impact of My Health Record for people with personal experience of mental health issues. My Health Record is an online health record containing an individual’s health information that can be shared across health care providers.My Health Record aims to prevent medication errors and hospital admissions, reduce duplication of medical tests, help inform treatment decisions and better coordinate the care for people who have multiple health issues. However, CoMHWA has found My Health Record may not benefit everyone equally. There are a number of unresolved issues that raise concerns for people’s rights and may cause unintended consequences including people’s information being shared without their knowledge and consent.Over the next 3 months, you can opt-out of having a My Health Record. After this time a My Health Record will be automatically created for all Australians who have not opted out. Once your Record is created it can be deactivated, but not deleted.To help you to make an informed choice and to manage your My Health Record, CoMHWA is hosting an information session on Tuesday 17th July at 2pm and on Thursday 19th June at 6pm. Please call Rebecca on 9258 8911 to book a place.CoMHWA is lobbying the Government to protect your rights to informed consent, safety, respect and privacy in relation to your health information. We will keep you posted on ways you could help us in our campaign.Kind regards,Shauna GaeblerCEO