3 AUGUST, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHS Tayside launches paperless maternity notes

From Wednesday, 5 August pregnant women in Tayside can access paperless maternity notes online using a free specialist app called BadgerNet Maternity Notes.

The new digital maternity notes system is available both as a secure online portal and an app and will see the end of the paper maternity notes.

Previously, women attending for antenatal appointments would have had a summary of their medical care throughout their pregnancy documented using paper records which would be given to women to keep. Women would then bring this maternity record with them to all midwife appointments so that it could be updated at each visit.

The Maternity Notes app is straightforward to use and will replace the old paper handheld notes which will now mean that women and midwives can access their maternity notes online anytime, anywhere.

This digital way of record keeping involves women downloading the free BadgerNet Maternity Notes app to their smartphone, personal computer or tablet. Women should be assured that the Maternity Notes app uses the same secure platform used by the healthcare professionals involved in their maternity care. All information is held privately and cannot be accessed without the appropriate secure login details.

Women already receiving maternity care will get access to Maternity Notes website or app from their community midwife at their next appointment to enable them to access their online record. Going forward, all women who become pregnant will be contacted by their community midwives who will explain about the new digital maternity record and how they can access it prior to their first antenatal appointment.

Linda Gierasik, senior charge midwife at Dundee Midwife Unit, said, “We are pleased to offer this new online record system to pregnant woman as it is so much more flexible than the previous handheld paper version. Handheld notes will still be available for those who are unable to access the app or website.

“The Maternity Notes app enables women to see a summary of their maternity record as well as details of their next appointment, including reminder notes from their midwife. The secure login for access ensures peace of mind, as only the women themselves or qualified healthcare professionals are able to read their record.

“The app also allows women to add any additional information such as questions they may wish to ask their midwife at their next appointment and to view information leaflets and other relevant websites.

“Having records electronically will improve communication between teams and help to standardise processes across Tayside. It also reduces duplication in paperwork as women’s records can easily be updated at each maternity appointment.”

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138