A new electronic system will soon be available to pregnant women across the region, giving them more access to and control of their pregnancy records and care notes.

The online portal and app, known as Badger Notes, has been launched by York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and can access maternity records over the internet through a PC, tablet device or mobile phone. The information is generated in real-time from the hospital’s maternity system record, using details entered by a midwife or other health professionals involved in a patient’s care.

Jo Holleran, Digital Midwife, said: “With the new app, records can be easily updated at each maternity visit or appointment. It’s fantastic for our patients as they can see a week by week timeline of their pregnancy and learn about their baby's development.

“Women can also access information recommended by their midwife, view booked appointments, write a personal diary and even add a photo. They can also submit thoughts and questions about their antenatal care, birth plan, and postnatal care to their midwife to review at the next scheduled visit.

“Not only is it better for patients, it has made a huge difference to our own staff – just being able to log blood pressure or pulse oximetry readings is really useful. It also saves so much time, midwives do not have to double enter data onto paper handheld notes as well as an internal system. We can also see feedback regarding antenatal care, labour and birth experiences which is invaluable.”

Patients can also add details about themselves, such as occupation and any allergies and add their own plans and preferences for care before, during and after birth.

The system is completely secure, similar to internet banking where only those with the correct login details are able to access notes.

The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Women are given details of how to create an account by their midwife.

Details are available on our website: York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - BadgerNet (yorkhospitals.nhs.uk)

14 March 2023