The Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record or eHealth Record initiative has the potential to bring together, in one secure easily accessed record, a summary of everyone’s key health information.

The opportunity to sign on to the eHealth Record is open to the whole Gunnedah community, not just patients of the Barber Street Practice.

Dr Robert Parsons believes that everyone with a chronic illness or who travels should have an eHealth record.

He said most people have medical records stored in multiple systems across the health care sector and these systems do not routinely share information, meaning it can be challenging to keep track of health information and ensure it is in one, easy reference place.

The upcoming eHealth Registration day, at the Barber Street Practice this  Saturday from 8.30am until 12.30pm will enable residents to take advantage of the opportunity to register creating their own eHealth record. 

“The record will allow you and your doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers to view and share your health information but only with your permission,” Dr Parsons said.

“This in turn will enable them to provide you with the best possible care.”

New England Medicare Local’s eHealth program manager, Marilyn Wood, said each individual has control over what information is included in their eHealth Record and who can view the information contained in it.

“Registration takes only a few minutes and all you need to have on hand is your Medicare or DVA card and one other form of photo identity such as a driver’s licence,” she said.

No appointments are needed for eHealth registration.

People who are interested can  visit the practice between 8.30am and 12.30pm to register.

• More information about the Personally Controlled eHealth Record System can be obtained by calling the New England Medicare Local on 6771 1146.