Wirraka has digital feel

A Port Hedland Aboriginal Health service has recorded one of the highest rates of My Health Record usages in the State, which a clinician says reflects the mining town’s transient population.

In 2020, Wirraka Maya Health Service uploaded more documents to the scheme than any other primary health care provider in WA.

They also ranked ninth in the number of shared health summaries across the State, tracking vital health background on individual patients as well as the highest number of MHR consultations.

Hedland is one of just three communities in Australia that is currently working alongside the Australian Digital Health Agency to promote the use of technology in clinical practice.

Wirraka Maya Health Services senior medical officer Yolande Knight said the group relied on My Health Record for an up to date record of patient pathology, imaging, medication, dispensing and history records.

“We can see what other doctors have requested and performed, overcoming the delays waiting for records requested from other practices and providers,” she said.

“Equally, we can upload and share what we’ve done, so when the patient attends elsewhere, their record is current and available to other practitioners.”

Dr Knight said the system allowed the town’s mostly transient patients to move from one region to the other while retaining comprehensive health files.

Australian Digital Health Agency consumer advocate Steve Renouf said having Aboriginal-led health services at the forefront of health delivery was important.

“It’s great to see an Aboriginal-controlled health service leading the way with outstanding results in digital technology,” he said.

Mr Renouf said committing to digital services in the future would enhance clinical results in regions like the Pilbara