NSW Health has announced the start of a major review into NSW Health’s Personal Health Record, known as the ‘Blue Book’, and is inviting comment from parents, carers and health professionals.

NSW Health Senior Clinical Advisor Dr Elisabeth Murphy said the content in the Blue Book had evolved over time to reflect current evidence and support families raising children in NSW and would continue to do so into 2017 and beyond.

“The Blue Book aims to support NSW families as they raise their children and identify any child health or developmental problems early, in order to maximise positive health outcomes,” Dr Murphy said.

“The Blue Book helps document a child’s health and can be used as a reference into adulthood.

“To ensure the Blue Book remains relevant to every parent, carer and health professional, NSW Health has, as part of the review process, also developed an online survey to encourage feedback, from those who use the Blue Book most.”

“The survey is an important opportunity for all parents, carers and health professionals in NSW to share their thoughts on the Blue Book so we can continue to optimise it.”

Obstetrician and mother of one-year-old Milly, Sarah Bleaney, said she believed the Blue Book was a valuable tool for recording vaccinations and checking the baby’s weight.

“It’s also a good thing to have if a woman rocks up at a different hospital,” she said. “That way, all her information is in one spot.”

“I always forget to fill mine out though!”

The survey is available until December 23 and can be accessed at the link www.surveymonkey.com/r/PHRREVIEW.