Australian rules football

UniSport Australia is to partner with the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) to provide information for members and stakeholders about the My Health Record Expansion Program. The partnership aims to provide information about My Health Record and its benefits for all Australians, and to advise those who choose not to have one how to opt out of the process. By the end of 2018, the Agency will have a digitised My Health Record for all Australians except those who opt out. Doctors, pharmacists and authorised healthcare providers will be able to access a person’s My Health Record to assist in their treatment of patients and issues such as prescription of medicines and advance care planning. UniSport Australia will communicate the benefits of My Health Record to its 42 member organisations. These benefits include reduced hospital admissions, reduced duplication of tests, better-coordinated care, and better informed treatment decisions. UniSport Australia Chair, David Schmude, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Australian Digital Health Agency as they launch this exciting initiative. We believe My Health Record will be invaluable to student-athletes, offering streamlined record keeping. UniSport Australia is always proud to advocate evidence aimed at improving the wellbeing of student-athletes. We trust this development in digital health will allow us to continue working towards our vision of cultivating healthy, active, engaged and well-rounded university students through a higher standard of medical attention.” Agency CEO Tim Kelsey said that the benefits of digital health for patients are significant and compelling. “Having a My Health Record means that your important health information such as allergies, current conditions and treatments, medicine details, and pathology and diagnostic imaging reports can be digitally stored in one place,” Mr Kelsey said. “My Health Record also places Australians in control of their healthcare and gives authorised healthcare providers secure digital access to key health information at the point of care, wherever that may be. People who choose not to have a My Health Record will be able to register not to have one during a three-month opt-out period occurring between 16 July and 15 October. For further information on My Health Record go to www.myhealthrecord.gov.au