More than 70 per cent of ACT general practices can now access patients’ public health records through the ACT Government’s Digital Health Record system.

Launched in 2022, the DHR is intended as a single, secure health record whereby doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in the ACT public health system can access patient information to deliver safer, efficient, and coordinated care.

Ninety-one of the ACT’s 127 general practices have registered for DHR Link, a secure web-based portal that lets authorised staff at general practices view patients’ digital health records, including documents such as discharge summaries, pathology reports, and medical imaging results.

Health Minister Dr Marisa Paterson said: “DHR Link is helping GPs access the information they need, when they need it, to provide more connected and informed care for Canberrans.

“It’s an exciting evolution of the Digital Health Record that supports faster access to patient information, helping doctors, nurses and allied health professionals deliver safer, more timely and better coordinated care.”

Patients must provide written consent before staff at a participating general practice can view their public health record, and can withdraw consent at any time.

GP Dr Paresh Dawda said DHR Link made it easier to provide care; information from ACT public hospitals and specialist services could previously be delayed, incomplete or fragmented.

“With the patient’s consent, I can review relevant information at the point of care, including investigations, medication changes and recent hospital activity,” Dr Dawda said.

“This gives me a clearer clinical picture, reduces time spent chasing information, helps avoid unnecessary duplication and supports better continuity between hospital and general practice. DHR Link has made healthcare more connected.”

The ACT Government said the ACT is the first Australian jurisdiction to implement a single territory-wide digital public health record which GPs can access with a patient’s consent.

Patients can access their own DHR through the MyDHR patient portal, including medical records, treatment plans, medications and upcoming appointments across the ACT public health system.

Find out more about the DHR and DHR Link: https://www.act.gov.au/health/digital-health-record