Maternity scheme tackling digital exclusion

Pregnant women and birthing people struggling to afford a mobile phone contract can access a free SIM card with mobile data through a partnership between Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) Maternity Services and digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation.

More than 20 SIM cards providing mobile data, texts, and calls have been given to individuals accessing the Trust's Maternity Services who would otherwise be unable to afford to get online and view their digital medical records. Devices are also available.

To access support, women and birthing people need to be pregnant, over the age of 18, and have difficulty in engaging with maternity services online or via phone call due to financial constraints.

To apply, they speak to their midwife who will refer them to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Midwives, who will then talk them through the application process.

Preloaded data enables access not only to digital notes app Badger Notes, but also access to online parent education classes and other online health information. Data support will cover an approximate 12-month period.

Shanice Akinyombo, an EDI Midwife at OUH, said: "This new initiative empowers women and birthing people by providing them with access to their own digital records that they are otherwise unable to access.

"It will also enhance communication by supplying necessary information and advice more readily, reducing the risk of missed appointments and enhancing patient care.

"Additionally, this initiative will lower the risk of individuals being unable to contact maternity services for medical advice. By promoting digital inclusion, it aims to improve equity in accessing maternity services across Oxfordshire."

Milica Redfearn, Director of Midwifery at OUH, said: "This is an amazing initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide by ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary technology and resources.

"Our wonderful EDI midwives are leading this effort, working together to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all."

OUH's Maternity Services have teamed up with the Good Things Foundation's National Databank, which is like a foodbank but for mobile data.

The databank is set up to support those who need it most, and the SIM cards have been donated by O2, Vodafone, and Three.

The National Device Bank provides refurbished laptops, mobile phones and tablets to individuals who may not have access to a device.

Maternity staff expect to support approximately 10 women and birthing people each year with mobile devices, and around 50 with SIM cards.

Carina Okiki, an EDI Midwife at OUH, said: "We understand that the women and birthing people across Oxfordshire who access maternity services are a diverse community, with varying needs in language, digital skills, and financial resources. That's why we are pleased to partner with the Good Things Foundation to address digital exclusion. We are deeply grateful for their support."

Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO, Good Things Foundation, said: "This is a positive step forward in fixing the digital divide and ensuring that no one is left behind, especially during such a critical time in their lives. By providing free data, devices and other support we are empowering people to access essential maternity services and resources online.

"At Good Things Foundation, we are delighted to work with National Databank partners like Oxford University Hospitals to help fix the digital divide for good."

Pictured, from left: Carina Okiki (EDI Midwife), Milica Redfearn (Director of Midwifery), Shanice Akinyombo (EDI Midwife), Sharon Andrews (Head of Midwifery)