The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed news that more than 70% of ACT general practices have now registered for secure access to ACT public health records, describing it as a significant step towards better connected, safer and more coordinated patient care.
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Bek Hoffman said digital systems that support information sharing between hospitals, non-GP specialists and general practices – like the ACT’s DHR Link – are essential to delivering high-quality patient care.
“General practice works best when GPs have timely access to accurate patient information. We welcome this important milestone and congratulate the ACT Government, participating practices and everyone involved in implementing DHR Link,” she said.
“When patients move between hospitals, specialist services and general practice, access to up-to-date information helps ensure care is safer, more coordinated and more efficient.
“Too often, GPs spend valuable time chasing discharge summaries, test results and treatment information. Digital solutions that improve information sharing help us spend more time focusing on what matters most – delivering care to patients.
“As specialist waiting lists grow and patients increasingly receive care from multiple providers, strong communication between different parts of the health system has never been more important.”
Dr Hoffman said general practice sits at the centre of patient care and that improving connectivity between healthcare providers will lead to better outcomes for patients and a more effective health system.
“GPs are the healthcare professionals Australians see most often, and they play a critical role coordinating care throughout a patient’s life,” she said.
“Better integration between primary care and hospital services means fewer gaps in care, reduced duplication of tests and investigations, and a better experience for patients.
“Importantly, DHR Link maintains patient choice and consent, ensuring patients remain in control of their health information while enabling clinicians to access the information they need to make informed decisions.”
Dr Hoffman said the RACGP has long advocated for stronger digital health infrastructure across Australia and hopes the ACT initiative can help inform future improvements in other jurisdictions.
“The future of healthcare is connected care. Initiatives that support secure, timely information sharing between healthcare providers are an investment in safer care, better patient outcomes and a stronger health system,” she said.
“We look forward to seeing the continued rollout of DHR Link and the benefits it delivers for patients, GPs and the broader healthcare system.”
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