Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
The WA Health Electronic Medical Record (EMR) will provide clinicians with real-time access to patient information, improve coordination across services, and support better health outcomes. It will give patients safer, more connected care and easier access to your health information – anywhere in the WA public health system.
WA is the last state in Australia to introduce an EMR, which means we’ve learned from others to build a system that works best for our state. It’s part of a bigger plan to modernise healthcare and make it more connected, fair, and efficient.
What is an electronic medical record?
The EMR is a secure, digital version of your medical history and treatment, replacing WA Health’s current combination of digital and paper-based records within a single, integrated system.
EMR is a smart clinical tool that:
- supports safer care by flagging allergies, drug interactions, and critical results
- helps clinicians make real-time, informed decisions with built-in guidance and alerts
- enables better coordination between care teams
- empowers patients to view and engage with their health information through a secure portal.
Why is WA Health introducing an EMR?
Right now, patient records are stored in different systems - some are paper-based and some are digital. The EMR will bring everything together into one secure, statewide system. It will help doctors and nurses make faster, more informed decisions, and give patients easier access to their own health information.
How will the EMR benefit patients and their care teams?
The EMR will:
- provide a secure portal where patients can view health information and engage in their care
- provide clinicians with real-time access to comprehensive patient records
- reduce delays and duplication by streamlining workflows
- enhance care through built in safety checks that flag allergies, drug interactions, and critical results.
Which hospitals and health services will be included in the EMR rollout?
All public hospitals and health services – metropolitan, regional and remote – will transition to the EMR in phases, starting from 2028. This staged approach ensures safety and effectiveness.
What are the different medical records?
Digital Medical Record (DMR)
DMR is a digital version of paper patient records.
- a faster, more consistent and accessible way of storing patient records
- a digital version of the paper medical record, making it easier for doctors and nurses to find and read past information about a patient - like previous visits, test results, and treatment notes
- used for storing and viewing patient information - it doesn’t guide treatment or support clinical decisions the way the EMR will.
Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
EMR will connect all WA public health sites and services and support safe, real-time clinical care.
- will be used in all WA public hospitals and health services
- a smart, real-time system that helps doctors and nurses care for you more efficiently
- health staff will be able to see up-to-date information like test results, medications, allergies, and treatment plans all in one place
- it will support better decision-making by showing alerts and reminders that help improve patient care
- will provide a secure online portal for patients enabling access to your health information, making it easier to stay informed and involved in your care.
My Health Record (MHR)
MHR is a national system managed by the Australian Digital Health Agency, showing summaries of your health information, including test and radiology results.
- accessible through MyGov, it shows summaries of your health information - like your immunisations, prescriptions, allergies, and hospital discharge summaries
- WA Health already provides information to MHR, if you have chosen to allow that
- you can choose what goes into your MHR and who can see it
- designed to help you share important health information with your GP, specialists, or other healthcare providers - especially if you move between different services, in the public or private health system
- when WA Health’s EMR is fully rolled out, some information from your EMR may be shared with MHR - but only if you choose to allow it
- if you have already allowed all or parts of your patient record to be shared with MHR, that sharing will continue when the EMR is rolled out.
Can I opt out of the EMR?
No. The EMR will be the legal and clinical record of care provided within WA Health. Under WA legislation, every patient must have a medical record. However, as is the case now, WA Health will remain committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your information is used appropriately and securely.
Will the EMR use artificial intelligence (AI), and how will it be used safely?
If AI is introduced, WA Health will follow strict safety and ethics rules in line with WA Government policy.
How will the EMR help clinicians and staff deliver improved and coordinated care?
The EMR will help improve efficiency by showing alerts for things like allergies or drug interactions, guiding clinical decisions with built-in tools. Because everyone is working from the same record, care will be more consistent and better coordinated across hospitals and services, saving time and reducing paperwork.
How are patients and consumers contributing to the design of the EMR?
The EMR is being designed with input from the people who will use it most – clinicians and health consumers. WA Health is working closely with consumer groups (external site), including the Health Consumers Council, to make sure the system reflects what matters to you. A Consumer Charter has been created to guide this work, and WA Health has appointed a Director of Consumer Engagement - the first role of its kind in Australia for an EMR project.
How will my information be protected in the EMR?
WA Health takes privacy and security seriously. The EMR will comply with all relevant legislation, including Western Australia’s Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA) and Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024. It will include strict access controls, encryption, audit trails, and monitoring to ensure your information is protected.
All health care records - including those related to mental health or other sensitive care - are confidential. Only authorised staff involved in your care can access your record, and access is tracked and auditable.
Will I be able to see who looked at my record?
Yes. WA Health will keep a secure log of everyone who accesses your EMR, and you can request this information at any time. This ensures privacy and accountability.
What if I don’t want certain things (like photos) in my record?
You can say no to having medical photos taken. If you do give consent, the images will be stored securely and used only for your care. WA Health follows strict policies for clinical photography, and you can withdraw your consent at any time without affecting your treatment.
Will my information be used for research or other purposes?
Your personal health information is collected to provide safe care. Sometimes, WA Health uses data to improve services or for approved research, always following strict privacy laws and ethical guidelines.
Will I be informed if there’s a data breach or security incident?
If your information is involved in a breach, WA Health will act quickly, inform you, and provide support.
Last reviewed: 15-01-2026