New Patient Portal Next Steps

We begin testing a new patient portal at the start of February. As part of the initial discovery phase, we will engage an independent cybersecurity expert before formalising a contract with a new patient portal provider.

Once we have tested both the functionality of the app along with understanding its data storage and cybersecurity protocols, we will communicate with QMC patients, encouraging you all to sign up, if you feel comfortable to do so.

Understandably, trust is low in patient portals around the country right now. The consequence of this is that patient portal providers are working hard to tighten their ships, internally review their own privacy policies, data storage practices and cybersecurity protocols. We are receiving transparent communication from prospective portal providers about these measures.

This added scrutiny and pressure to the digital health industry means that when the time comes for QMC to shift platforms, we will have an attestation from the new provider giving us confidence, so that we can encourage our patients to sign up and feel comfortable with this app.

Benefits for patients of using patient portals

Using a patient portal supports patients' ability to empower themselves, communicate and manage aspects of their care, so whilst our intention is to move away from Manage My Health - we believe that with the right portal, the patient journey and experience of their care, is enhanced.

Our contract with Manage My Health ends in April.

Current state of MMH

Since the breach on 30 Dec 2025, MMH have received independent cybersecurity advice that they are safe to continue operating. Health New Zealand has been working closely with MMH and a range of government agencies. Despite these assurances, as an additional precaution, QMC will not reinstate the data flow for consult notes and lab results to MMH. Patients are able to use the app until April to book appointments, order scripts and message their doctors.

For any patients not feeling comfortable using MMH, you have the option to close your accounts and have your data deleted fully by the platform. Once we finish with MMH, we will be strongly advising that all patients close their accounts, as there is no "bulk closure" option for us to do this on your behalf. If patients choose not to close their accounts, their data will still be held on the MMH platform.

In the absence of being able to view your lab results, please note that our lab results policy states:

Only patients with abnormal test results will be contacted once results come through. You will not be contacted if your results are normal. Most results are received in 2 to 3 working days.

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