Improving Information Sharing with GPs from Eastern Health – Acute Specialist Clinics (Outpatients) Project Update

EMPHN is pleased to share an exciting update as part of a collaborative initiative with Eastern Health on the ongoing work to strengthen communication between hospital services and Primary Care.

This work is part of the broader CareSynergy Project, an initiative funded by EMPHN. This important project aims to improve information transfer between Eastern Health and local General Practices to enable safer, more connected care for our shared patients.

What has Changed?

As part of this project, Eastern Health Specialist Clinics (Outpatients) engaged with GPs to co-create a fit for purpose hospital and specialist clinic event summary. These summaries are now delivered electronically to GP practice software (went live 28 May 2025) and will soon be replicated into My Health Record supporting clinical handover (coming in 2026). 

From 28 May 2025, GPs have started receiving the specialist clinics event summaries directly in their software. As communications from Eastern Health to Primary Care Providers continues to improve and develop, if you have any feedback or receive correspondence in error please contact the Eastern Health GP Liaison Officer at gpliaison@easternhealth.org.au

The electronic transfer of specialist clinics event summaries (outpatient notes) will apply from:

• Acute Specialist Clinics
• Select Oncology (Cancer Services)
• Preadmission Clinics
• Select Maternity Clinics

In addition to further support CareSynergy, Eastern Health Specialist Clinics (Outpatients) is working to: 

• Improve timely notification of referral status updates
• Expand electronic referrals to “at home” services

Why This Matters:

We know that timely, accurate communication between health services and GPs is essential for high-quality patient care. This initiative aims to:

• Close the communication loop on referrals and outpatient appointments
• Provide GPs with clear and actionable information
• Reduce duplication and the need for follow-up calls
• Support safer transitions of care between hospital and community settings

Along with Eastern Health, EMPHN looks forward to sharing more information, including implementation timelines and support resources.

For further information, please contact the Eastern Health GP Liaison Officer at gpliaison@easternhealth.org.au.

Together with Eastern Health, we are building a stronger, more connected healthcare system for our community.