A My Health Record provides health care services with a record of a patient’s health history.

By the end of 2018, a My Health Record will automatically be created for every Australian unless they opt-out of the system. 

More than five million Australians already have a My Health Record.

Wimmera Health Care Group Clinical Services director Don McRae said it was important for people to have a My Health Record in case of an emergency.

“It means that every health service will have access to your information electronically,” he said.

“This will help prevent any adverse incidents such as people being given the wrong medication.”

There will be a three month period for people to opt-out before their record is created, starting on July 16 and ending on October 15.

Individuals can cancel their My Health Record at any time after the opt-out period.

Mr McRae said people should be encouraged to keep their My Health Record.

“It’s really important for people not to opt-out,” he said.

“The My Health Record improves safety.

“It will absolutely speed up diagnosis as the access to patient information will be improved.”

National Rural Health Alliance chief executive officer Mark Diamond said it was especially important for regional and rural Australians to keep their My Health Record.

“Country people are more likely to be brought into an emergency department from a heart attack, car accident or diabetic coma,” he said. 

“They have less access to health services, so they delay getting treatment, and are generally diagnosed later than their city counterparts.

“If they’re unconscious, the emergency team is in the dark about whether their patient is allergic to penicillin, if they have a pacemaker, and what medications they’re taking.”

Mr Diamond said people could find more information on My Health Record here.