A healthcare platform that makes it easier for parents-to-be and their midwives to stay in touch and share information is being rolled out across South Cumbria.
Badgernet is a dedicated electronic patient record system for maternity services.
The app allows parents-to-be to access their own medical notes, look at healthcare leaflets recommended by their midwife and self-refer to maternity services at any time using a PC, tablet or smartphone.
Badgernet also allows users to complete their birth plan, keep a weekly diary, and upload photos which can be shared with family and friends.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has joined forces with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, East Lancashire NHS Trust and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to launch the app.
Authorised maternity staff across different organisations can access information and record notes in real-time from hospital or in the community.
Karen Bridgeman, digital midwife, said: “We are so pleased to be able to implement Badgernet at our trust and continue to work with our partners to provide the best maternity care possible.
“Maternity staff will benefit from an intuitive system that follows the maternity pathway of care, in turn saving time for staff across Morecambe Bay.
“This allows maternity staff to spend more time on what’s really important – caring for families.
“This is a truly incredible digital advancement and we’re thrilled to be able to use the Badgernet system with pregnant people and families across south Cumbria and north Lancashire.”
Badgernet is part of plans for a fully integrated maternity service across south Cumbria and north Lancashire, expected to be in place by the end of the year.