Maternity services launch Badger Notes app
Parents-to-be across Nottinghamshire will soon be able to access their pregnancy notes online via an app called Badger Notes.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (SFH) are moving paper-based maternity or handheld notes online this week in a joint project.
For families who will be cared for at NUH: From 15 November, if you are pregnant and have been booked to have your first midwife or GP appointment you can download the Badger Notes app before your appointment. For those who are further along in their pregnancy and already in our services, you will also have the opportunity to download Badger Notes from this date, but your paper records will not be withdrawn.
The move will provide families with greater access to their pregnancy records and information via their smart phone, PC or tablet, at any time of the day or night.
The new digital record system has a whole host of features, enabling people to view extracts of information from their pregnancy record in real time and log key pregnancy events.
They will be able to capture their choices of what they want to happen at each stage, learn more about their baby’s development and access information recommended by their midwife. They will also be able to view booked appointments and submit thoughts or questions about antenatal and postnatal care to review with their team at their next appointment.
The app means that the information captured by healthcare professionals will be all in one place, rather than having the same information on multiple paper records.
Another benefit is that information can be shared securely and more easily between the two Trusts, should anyone who is pregnant need to receive care from the other hospital at any point during pregnancy.
Sharon Wallis, Director of Midwifery at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The launch of Badger Notes marks a significant turning point as we continue to work on our digital transformation across our maternity services to help us to provide the best possible care to women and families across Nottinghamshire.
“The new system will make a huge difference to expectant parents because it enables them to access their maternity records at any time. They can also share key information directly with our staff such as feedback around pregnancy and their birth experiences. This valuable information helps us to continue to shape our services.”
Phil Bolton, Chief Nurse at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a really exciting development for both families and our maternity teams. It will improve the experience of expectant parents by increasing choice, personalisation and empowering them to take greater ownership of their maternity care.
“It will also make it easier for healthcare professionals to safely and securely access, manage and share information to make informed, timely decisions.
“All systems take a little time to get used to, so please be patient at appointments while we adjust to this new way of working.”
All expectant parents who were using traditional paper notes before the launch of Badger Notes will eventually be moved over to the new system that the hospital is using which is called BadgerNet. Plans are in place to support families who are unable to access the app or other technology.
You can find more information about Badger Notes and how to download it on our website: Badger Notes app | NUH
- Badger Notes goes live for SFH families on Thursday 17 November 2022.