Eastern Health: Improving information sharing with GPs

EMPHN is pleased to share an exciting update as part of Eastern Health’s ongoing work to strengthen communication between hospital services and primary care.

This work is part of the broader CareSynergy project, a collaborative initiative proudly funded by EMPHN. This particular project aims to improve information transfer between Eastern Health and local general practices to enable safer, more connected care for our shared patients.

What’s coming next:

The first phase of the project, the electronic delivery of Specialist Clinics (Outpatient) notes to GPs, was successfully implemented in May 2025.

Phase two will introduce additional enhancements to improve information sharing:

From Late June 2026, Specialist Clinics event summaries will be uploaded to patients’ My Health Record.

Electronic information sharing to the GP will then extend to include:

• Endoscopy reports – Mid 2026
• Allied Health notes – Late 2026
• Surgical Operation notes – Late 2026

Eastern Health are also expanding eReferrals for “at home” services, delivered in two releases:

• Release 1 – Subacute Ambulatory Clinic Services (mid 2026)
• Release 2 – Further ‘at home’ service rollout (later in 2026)

In addition, timely referral status updates (two-way messaging) will be introduced, with the launch planned for mid‑2026.

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.
• Support clearer and easier ways to refer patients from primary care providers to Eastern Health.

Further information, including implementation timelines and support resources, will be shared in future communications.

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