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What is an Electronic Medical Record?

An Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is an electronic version of a patient’s paper medical record. 

Your healthcare team will enter your health information into their computer as they care for you.

How does the EMR affect me?

EMR information is up to date, easy to read and instantly accessible by your healthcare team, enabling us to provide timely diagnosis and treatment. 

Multiple healthcare professionals can access a patient record at the same time allowing greater co-ordination of care. 

The EMR has built in alerts and warnings to ensure the staff looking after you have the right information at the right time. 

Who can access my Western Health EMR?

Only the staff involved in your care can access your record so your information remains private and secure. 

After your hospital visit, a summary of your care is sent to your local doctor so they can continue to care for you.

Is this the same as My Health Record?

No, My Health Record is managed by the Australian Government. When you go home after your stay, information from the Western Health EMR can be sent to your My Health Record, if you are registered for one. See digitalhealth.gov.au to register.

What is in place to secure information in the EMR?

Western Health is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information (including health and other sensitive information) that it collects and uses. 

Our Information Privacy Policy contains more specifics about how we handle your personal information, your rights of access and how to contact us.

More information

Please contact:  Digital Health Team
Email:  digitalhealth@wh.org.au

In the case of a life threatening emergency, call 30020.
Emergency

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all the lands and waterways on which Western Health staff, volunteers, consumers and caregivers come together. As we work, learn and grow, we pay our deep respects to the Elders and Traditional Custodians past, present and emerging of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wadawurrung Countries of the greater Kulin Nation. We are committed to the healing of country, working towards equity in health outcomes, and the ongoing journey of reconciliation. Western Health is committed to respectfully listening and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we are truly guided by the values of relationship, responsibility and respect.