New project fights online health record confusion

A Coast community centre has joined a nationwide initiative providing digital support for those struggling to access important medical records.

Doris Denning and Suzi Gelling will provide assistance to the public through the Health My Way program at North Shore Community Centre.

THE North Shore Community Centre has joined a nationwide initiative providing digital support for those struggling to access important medical records.

Good Things Foundation’s Health My Way project will support people to learn essential digital skills so they can access their My Health Record and make informed, confident choices.

North Shore Community Centre’s digital health mentors Suzi Gelling and Doris Denning said the project ensured all community members had the skills to be “in control of their wellbeing”.

“There are a lot of people out there that don’t know how to get online and access these resources so we’re here to help them and to be patient as we are doing so,” Ms Gelling said.

“A lot of people experiencing health concerns are isolated, they are at home and they don’t know what they can access, and we are hoping to help them.”

The Good Things Foundation said 4 million people in Australia had limited digital skills, but 90 per cent of all Australians now had an online summary of their health information on My Health Record.

Starting on February 24 the program will cater for a wide variety of skill levels covering everything from turning on the computer to accessing online data.

“There will be different learners, there will be somebody that doesn’t know anything and will be nervous, one that has an idea and another that is advanced, so we will tailor our sessions to these different kinds of learners,” Ms Denning said.

“We are not here to do it for them, they come with their questions and we will help them.”

Ms Gelling said the opportunity for one-on-one sessions would hopefully lead to a stress-free experience.

“They can book in for one-on-one sessions, they can relax, take their time, we will have a cup of tea and just troubleshoot,” she said.

“It’s really up to them what they would like to know an we will do it over and over until they get the idea and they are comfortable to walk away with the knowledge.”

Used by healthcare providers, organisations and patients, My Health Record securely stores health information online where it can be viewed from anywhere at any time.

An information session will be held on March 21 from 1pm to 3pm.

To book contact the North Shore Community Centre.

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