Perl (Patient Electronic Record Link) is the name given to the new EHR system at Mater Private Network. This new system is being introduced across our locations from 1st September onwards. 

Perl is designed to improve the quality of care that you receive by making health information easily accessible to all the clinical team involved in your care. This means better coordination and access to legible patient care information to ensure fewer documentation errors, and more personalised care for you. 

Instead of paper-based records and charts, your full patient record is available in one online system that is accessible in real time by your care team. This means that there are none of the delays when paper-based charts need to move between departments, or when test results and reports need to be communicated to different members of the team. It supports best-in-class care and ensures that all important patient information is available whenever and wherever it is needed. 

Medical professionals from outside Mater Private Network, who are involved in a particular episode of your care, will also be able to receive your reports electronically, meaning quicker access to test results. 

You do not have to do anything differently and should continue to contact Mater Private Network in the normal ways. There will be an adjustment period, but overall, it is intended to improve your experience with us.

EHR systems use advanced security measures such as encryption and secure login protocols to protect patient data. Only authorised healthcare providers and staff members can access your patient records.  

Our cyber security team has robust measures in place to minimise the risk of external parties or “hackers” accessing our EHR system.  Our staff regularly complete mandatory cyber security training to stay alert to new risks posed by anyone attempting to access our systems for malicious purposes. 

Traditional paper-based medical records will not disappear; all historical medical records and information have been kept and are accessible whenever needed.  

Access to your medical records is restricted to your healthcare team, which includes doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care. Access is granted based on the principle of need-to-know, meaning only those who need to see your information to provide care can access it. All confidential information is secure and protected from being accessed accidentally or otherwise by any member of staff who does not need to see it.

You can see certain elements relating to your care through our patient app, mymaterprivate. An updated version of the app is available for download in the Apple/Google stores from September 1st, 2024. This app enables you to see your upcoming appointments and any appointments made after the go-live date. Other functionality includes the ability to request an appointment, and view or pay your bill. Additional functionality will be added to the app over time. 

If there is a technical problem with Perl, we have Information Technology (IT) support teams in place to address and resolve issues quickly. There are also "downtime” policies and procedures to ensure that your care is not disrupted, including the use of temporary paper records if needed.

Your health information is updated in real-time by your healthcare providers during and after your visits. Perl is maintained by our IT department, which ensures the system is up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates. 

Perl has the functionality to capture digital signatures and consents. These digital consents include General Consent to be treated, Procedural Consents, Pregnancy Declaration, Insurance forms, etc. By digitising these documents, we can ensure that all necessary and legal consents are conveniently and properly recorded, stored, and easily accessible in one unique location for reference.