As reported by Nursing Times, midwife leaders have praised the Welsh Government’s plan to launch a digital maternity record system, promising safer care and more clinical time for midwives
Midwife leaders have welcomed a government promise to digitise maternity records in Wales, as the Welsh NHS prepares to roll out an electronic health record system for pregnant women.
By March 2026, the Welsh Government has said the devolved NHS will launch an electronic maternity health record across the health service. This system will allow midwives and other clinicians to access “real time insights” and other important information about expectant mothers under their care, according to the government.
The hope, said ministers, is that this new system will make care safer by improving the storage and access of data. Julie Richards, Wales director at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said the system could also free up time for midwives, allowing them to spend more clinical time with patients. “We know maternity services can deliver safer and more personalised care using digital technology, so the RCM really welcomes this investment,” said Ms Richards.
At the same time as the electronic record system, an app will be launched to support expectant mothers and provide them with information about their pregnancy journey.
This will show booked maternity appointments, and information about baby development and allow mothers to track progress and blood pressure readings, if a midwife has requested them. Furthermore, it will allow them to make choices about where they want to give birth and check that information, such as allergies, are up to date.
