As digital revolution continues, with more of daily activity taking place in the virtual realm as we shop, socialise and manage our lives online, the sad reality is that some are left behind.
There are several contributing factors that can result in a person being digitally excluded and those with limited financial means can easily fall into ‘digital deprivation’ and are unable embrace the benefits and conveniences of modern technology.
Secure online system
Now an award winning midwifery-led scheme is reducing the digital divide across Teesside, offering free data so they can access their care records online.
Laura Stephenson, digital midwife for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “All of our maternity records across Tees are now stored on a secure online system called BadgerNet. This is so much easier for patients to access their notes but only if they have internet access.
“The digital midwives in the North East and North Cumbria Local Maternity and Neonatal System decided we were going to sign up to The Good Things Foundation and the National Databank to offer women in the area access to free mobile data.
“Women who meet the criteria will be able to get a free SIM card, preloaded with data, so they can log into their BadgerNet notes throughout their pregnancy journey.”
No cost to the NHS
Grace Murray, digital midwife at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust commented: “The NHS Long Term Plan recommends that all woman should have access to their maternity records, by providing free data we are ensuring that this recommendation is achievable.
“Both trusts have worked closely with a non-for-profit organisation in Middlesbrough called FurbdIT meaning we are also able to offer a refurbished phone if needed.
“With the SIM cards being provided by the Good Things Foundation and the phones from FurbdIT, we can offer this new service to some very vulnerable women at no additional cost to the NHS.”
Award winning
Grace recently accepted a baby lifeline UK MUM award (maternity unit marvels) at a special reception at the House of Commons in recognition of the service improvement brought about by her pioneering work with the Good Things Foundation to provide maternity patients with data loaded SIM cards. This model is now being adapted throughout the England.
The new digital data service is up and running, with community midwives managing referrals for data support to digital midwives Grace Murray and Laura Stephenson.