Victorian ophthalmologists working in public hospitals will soon have faster and safer access to critical patient records under a new statewide digital system called CareSync Exchange.
Launched on 18 August 2025 by the state’s Health Minister Ms Mary-Anne Thomas, the platform will allows clinicians to instantly share information across hospitals, cutting paperwork and delays that often hinder continuity of care.
According to a media release, CareSync Exchange is a secure, centralised system that allows public hospitals and health services across the state to instantly share patient information at the point of care.
Thomas launched the system on 18 August 2025 when visiting Austin Health.
Already operating at Austin Health and Eastern Health, CareSync Exchange is providing clinicians fast access to more than 2.3 million patient records, including past test results, discharge summaries and hospital visit history without the delays of phone calls, faxes or repeat testing.
Seven more health services, including Northern Health, Alfred Health and Monash Health, will join by the end of 2025, with a full rollout to all public hospitals to be completed by 2028, benefitting more than 7 million Victorians.
Clinicians co-designed the system to ensure it meets the practical needs of those using it every day in real healthcare settings.
Thomas said outdated, fragmented information sharing systems would be replaced with the one secure platform to improve continuity of care, reduce the risk of medical errors and free up valuable time for healthcare workers to focus on patients.
Protecting patient privacy is a key priority, with CareSync Exchange incorporating advanced security measures such as firewalls, data encryption and unauthorised access detection, she said.
A robust privacy framework would guide the responsible use of information and ensure privacy.
“With CareSync Exchange in place at more hospitals, our dedicated healthcare workers will have the right information at their fingertips – no delays, no duplication – just safer, faster care for every Victorian,” Thomas said.
“CareSync Exchange will break down barriers, safeguard privacy, and give healthcare workers more time to focus on what matters most – caring for patients.”
In addition, the Victorian Budget 2025-2026 is investing more than $35 million to upgrade digital systems across health services and Ambulance Victoria, protecting patient data from cyber threats and replacing outdated technology.
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