Oxfordshire: App to record pregnancy information launched

A new app that allows expectant mothers to view and update their pregnancy notes has been launched.

Women across Oxfordshire will be able to access the Badger Notes app to record information about their pregnancies and access resources provided by midwives.

It replaces the traditional, paper-based blue maternity notes folder.

Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) began implementing the app at the start of the year.

Badger Notes, which is developed by Badgernet, is already used widely in maternity units across the UK.

Jennifer Mearns, a Digital Midwife at OUH, said: "Digital notes are used widely across the NHS and help clinicians access information and provide a better - and safer - care experience for women in our community.

"Our aim is to increase choice and personalisation for women during their pregnancy journey, empowering them to take greater ownership of their maternity care by using Badger Notes, a more secure way of storing information than carrying the bulky paper file."

Badgernet can store all medical notes, meaning if a user attends another NHS Trust unexpectedly, any doctor or midwife using the system can access their care and history.

Paula Gardner, Interim Chief Nursing Officer at OUH, said: "This is an exciting development for our families and our maternity staff, and I am thankful to all the staff who made it possible, as we strive to deliver compassionate excellence."

Users can access Badger Notes via the website, or by downloading the app via the iOS and Google app stores.

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