Maternity Direct app launches across three MSE hospitals in Essex

All pregnant women and new mums who have registered their pregnancy at one of three trusts that form the MSE Hospital group in Essex, England, can now access services online.

The Maternity Direct service, launched on 30 April and available through Mid Essex Hospitals, Southend University Hospital and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals, enables women to chat online with a registered midwife.

The app also provides access to evidence-based health information and storage of the woman’s individualised personalised care plan in an interactive platform.

Completing an online referral to receive maternity care at one of the three MSE hospitals of the woman’s choice initiates a unique referral ID for every woman, which provides them with immediate access to the app and its functions.

Developed by midwives in Essex in partnership with women via the Maternity Voices Partnership, the Maternity Direct app was launched at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals in August 2019.

Feedback from women using this service currently is overwhelmingly positive, according to Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals, which has prompted the extension of the service to women registered with maternity services at Mid Essex Hospitals and Southend University Hospital.

Staff Writer