Monday 16 July marked the beginning of an extensive national community engagement and communications strategy to inform all Australians on the benefits of My Health Record and their right to opt out should they choose not to have a digital health record. “The Agency, together with governments, Primary Health Networks and clinical and consumer peaks have been working with care professionals for the last six months ensuring they are aware of My Health Record and of the forthcoming opt out period,” Australian Digital Health Agency CEO Mr Tim Kelsey said. Thirty one primary health networks (PHN) across the country will join the Australian Digital Health Agency to engage with consumers at the grass roots level. “North Coast PHN is very pleased to be providing education opportunities to both providers and the general public about My Health Record. 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,” said Sharyn White, North Coast PHN (NCPHN) Acting CE. “We are committed to providing accurate information about what My Health Record is capable of doing so that everyone can weigh up the benefits. 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,” said Sharyn. “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,” said Sharyn. “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” Sharyn said. The opt out period runs from 16 July – 15 October 2018 with consumers invited to view the www.myhealthrecord.gov.au or call 1800 723 471 for more information.