Pregnant women being cared for in Highland hospitals are now able to access their maternity notes digitally.

Using a PC, tablet or smart phone, electronic maternity notes are now available to expectant mums and their health professionals through a secure online portal and app, known as BadgerNet.

The secure digital record replaces old paper handheld maternity notes and includes details of any blood test results, reminders about appointments and scan reports.

Argyll and Bute is the first area where BadgerNet is being rolled out before it goes live across community services in north Highland on the 2^nd December and in Raigmore hospital in January 2020.

Pregnant women can add information themselves to their notes so healthcare professionals are aware of their birth plan preferences.

The service is a significant step forward for services, says interim head of midwifery Mary Burnside:

“A secure login for access ensures peace of mind for mothers, as only the mothers themselves or qualified healthcare professionals are able to read their record.

“Maternity notes will not need to be carried – preventing them getting lost – and the new digital format provides easy access for mothers wherever they might be; even if they are in another country, all that is required is a connection and login.

“This is a great development for NHS Highland and we are so pleased to be able to provide this service for expectant mothers who choose to come to our hospitals for the birth of their babies. BadgerNet should make life easier for both mothers and healthcare workers; bringing our maternity services forward and enhancing accessibility and data security.”