General practitioners can now enjoy a streamlined and efficient process for referring patients for mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) care, thanks to the new online portal launched today during Mental Health Month by Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN).

MPHN’s updated Central Access and Navigation (CAN) service will enhance the way general practitioners (GPs), service providers, and community members navigate the Murrumbidgee mental health and AOD system.

The new cloud-based CAN online referral portal offers secure messaging, making it easier to send and track patient information. It provides a central access point to services, enabling healthcare professionals to monitor their patient’s journey. The portal is conveniently accessible via the MPHN website.

MPHN CEO Stewart Gordon said the new CAN online portal will significantly simplify the referral process.

‘We’ve found general practitioners and service providers in the Murrumbidgee are very receptive to adopting digital platforms, particularly when doing so accelerates processes and enhances efficiency and response times," Mr Gordon said.

‘We’re confident GPs and service providers will find MPHN’s new CAN online portal much faster and more user-friendly, benefiting both them and their patients.’

To assist with the transition, MPHN’s Primary Care Engagement team will be supporting practices to familiarise themselves with the new portal.

‘Improving people’s access to mental health supports is a priority for us, and this portal is a step forward in that direction,’ Mr Gordon said.

For more information, please visit mphn.org.au/mhs/central-access-and-navigation.