News

For the first time in NSW, General Practitioners (GPs) and General Practices in Far West NSW will have digital view-only access to a patient’s NSW Health medical information.

Known as the Co-located GP clinics project, this is being trialled from August 2024 because many clinicians in regional and remote areas provide health care in both General Practice (the community) and NSW Health facilities.

Sharing NSW Health medical information with a patient’s nominated GP or General Practice aims to improve continuity and transfer of care, overall patient experience, and health outcomes.

This project has been delivered by eHealth NSW in partnership with Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN), Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation and Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) South Eastern Section.

Brenton Jones, WNSW PHN Senior Digital Health Officer said WNSW PHN is delighted to be partnering with NSW Health as well as GPs and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across the Far West on this new and exciting project.

“This allows the sharing of patient information between acute and primary care. It aims to significantly enhance continuity of care for patients in the Far West region and we look forward to continuing to support this exciting initiative.”
– Brenton Jones, WNSW PHN Senior Digital Health Officer.

Dr Shannon Nott, Chief Medical Officer for Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) said this project will greatly improve the healthcare experience for remote communities in Far Western NSW.

Sharing clinical documentation and data means the RFDS can work collaboratively with other care providers to make better healthcare decisions and streamline patient care. We are excited about the potential to support our work and it’san important step forward in helping to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities."
– Dr Shannon Nott, Chief Medical Officer, Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section).

A patient must consent for their NSW Health information to be provided to their nominated GP or General Practice. When a patient attends a NSW Health facility in Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) for medical treatment, a staff member will confirm details of their GP or General Practice. They will also be asked whether they give consent to share health information held by NSW Health with their GP or General Practice.

Dr Josh Crase, from Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, is thrilled to have digital access to his patient’s information.

“Having access to a patient’s NSW Health medical information improves continuity of care and treatment in the community. It saves time and costs by reducing duplicate tests and provides a holistic view of the patient’s treatment at NSW Health facilities,” Dr Crase said.
– Dr Josh Crase, Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation.

GPs and General Practices in FWLHD must sign a contractual agreement to ensure patient privacy and security in accessing NSW Health information.

With a patient's consent NSW Health will make the following health information electronically available to their GP or General Practice via the HealtheNet clinical portal:

• Patient demographics (e.g. date of birth, address)
• Allergies and adverse reactions
• Clinical summary (of inpatient, emergency, outpatient and community health treatment)
• Patient documentation (including radiology reports)
• Pathology results
• Hospital prescribed medications.

This clinical information includes recent data and historical information from health districts across New South Wales.

Learn more about Co-located GP clinics project.