Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) Maternity Services and digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation are offering pregnant women and birthing people struggling to afford a mobile phone contract a free SIM card.
More than 20 SIM cards providing mobile data, texts, and calls have been given to patients accessing the Trust's Maternity Services who would otherwise be unable to afford to get online and view their digital medical records.
OUH's Maternity Services have teamed up with the Good Things Foundation's National Databank, which works like a foodbank but for mobile data. The SIM cards have been donated by O2, Vodafone, and Three.
In order 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. A midwife will then refer them to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Midwives, who will then talk them through the application process.
The preloaded data on the phones enables the parents to be to access to online parent education classes and other online health information. Data support will cover an approximate 12-month period.
It is expected the around 10 people a year will be supported with devices and 50 with SIM cards.
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."
