NSW: Health history at hand at all times

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NSW: Health history at hand at all times

By Jeanette Stephen

SYDNEY, Dec 4 AAP - Patients with chronic illnesses will now be able to carry theirmedical details with them in a booklet launched today by the NSW government.

The My Health Record booklet is the centrepiece of the government's $45 million ChronicIllness program designed to encourage people to become more proactive in maintaining theirmedical information.

Considered an Australian first, the booklet will be available free from local GPs,hospitals and health centres during the next 12 months.

It contains a health monitoring diary as well as areas to record medical appointments,health problems, diagnoses and medications.

Patients will own the diary but GPs and health providers are encouraged to assist infilling it out.

NSW Health Minister Craig Knowles said the booklet would be a vital accessory for allchronic care patients.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's a lifesaver," he said.

"This is invaluable for better health outcomes, especially for people who seek treatmentfrom multiple health providers including doctors, hospitals and pharmacists on an ad hocbasis.

"It's a fantastic improvement for people with chronic and complex conditions like heartillnesses, respiratory illnesses, diabetes ... the illnesses that dog people for life."

NSW Chronic Illness program chairman Professor Ron Penny said the scheme was designedto ensure patients receive the most appropriate management of their condition at all times.

"It's an example of how we can reduce pressures on the health system by ensuring patientsavoid unnecessary admissions and benefit from coordinated health care," he said.

More than 20,000 people across NSW are treated for chronic illnesses such as heartdisease and respiratory disease.

Betty Johnson, an executive member of the Australian Council for Safety and Qualityin Healthcare, had major heart bypass surgery last year to replace her aortic valve.

She has been using the new booklet for three to four weeks.

"The thing about it now is that I just sort of feel I'm responsible for this," she said.

"I'm the conduit for communication between anybody who's looking after my health needs."

AAP jts/nf/bwl

KEYWORD: RECORD