Batemans Bay resident, Brad Rossiter sees the benefits of sharing and accessing information on My Health Record, providing a convenient snapshot of his health.
Above: Brad Rossiter at the Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay, Batemans Bay 2018.
Brad has had Type 1 diabetes since 1970, and in 2000 was diagnosed legally blind and with end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis. Within eight years, he received a kidney and pancreas organ transplant, and became a double leg amputee. Brad found out about My Health Record though the Eurobodalla Health Service Community Consultation Committee and Canberra Hospital Renal Advisory Meeting (RAM). “After reading over the information on the website and talking to my GP, I decided to register – with my medical history it really was a no brainer,” said Brad. “I have regular pathology tests which are requested by my nephrologist, but thanks to My Health Record these results are also available to my GP,” he added. For Brad and his family, My Health Record also allows for a quick response and access to key health information in an emergency. “It gives peace of mind in knowing that My Health Record is able to be accessed at the point of care,” he said. Brad, the 2012 Eurobodalla Shire Citizen of the Year and one of the nominated Local Heroes of Eurobodalla in 2018, is a proud and committed community representative, ambassador and advisor. He works tirelessly as Eurobodalla Health Service Community Consultation Committee chair, contributes to Eurobodalla Shire Council Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee and also founded The Eurobodalla Renal Support Group & Organ Donor Awareness. “I have hosted more than 600 community awareness and education events, talking to the local community about many health and accessibility matters,” said Brad. “People often tell me they are tired of being asked the same questions when they go to see a health professional. This can be particularly frustrating for older people, who may be taking a number of medications and seeing a number of doctors.”
My Health Record presents information from across the health system, through a GP uploading a shared health summary record, Medicare data, public and private pathology and radiology reports and hospital discharge summaries. “I would encourage people to get a My Health Record as it places you at the centre of your care. “You have the power to add, remove or restrict access to certain information so you can ultimately decide who sees your health information, and all of your healthcare team can share the same information together,” Brad added. A My Health Record will be created for every Australian, unless they choose not to have one. The opt out period will run from 16 July to 15 October 2018. Records will then be created for interested Australians by the end of the year. For further information, visit myhealthrecord.gov.au or call the help line on 1800 723 471.
