The new CareSync Exchange promises faster, safer care by cutting duplication, reducing errors and protecting patient privacy.
Victoria is overhauling how hospitals share patient data, rolling out a secure statewide system that promises to cut duplication, reduce errors and give clinicians faster access to critical information.
State health minister Mary-Anne Thomas this week launched CareSync Exchange at Austin Health – a centralised platform allowing public hospitals and health services to instantly share patient information at the point of care.
Already operating at Austin Health and Eastern Health, the system gives clinicians rapid access to more than 2.3 million patient records – including 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 seven million Victorians.
“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,” said Ms Thomas.
“CareSync Exchange will break down barriers, safeguard privacy, and give healthcare workers more time to focus on what matters most – caring for patients.”
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Designed with clinicians, the system replaces outdated, fragmented information-sharing processes with one secure, streamlined platform. It is expected to improve continuity of care, cut unnecessary duplication and reduce the risk of medical errors.
Protecting patient privacy is central to the rollout, with CareSync Exchange using advanced security features such as encryption, firewalls and unauthorised access detection. A robust privacy framework will guide how information is managed and accessed.
The project is backed by more than $35 million in the 2025/26 Victorian Budget to upgrade digital systems across health services and Ambulance Victoria, replacing obsolete technology and strengthening defences against cyber threats.