Following Hauwa’s introduction to the RCM Digital Midwives Network Forum I am reflecting on the first meeting and what this collaboration means to the members. My journey to digital midwifery was not one I planned but found myself drawn to with a keen interest in digital health alongside a passion for innovation and quality improvement in maternity care. Over the past two years, Northern Ireland has undergone significant digital transformation with the encompass programme, with all five Healthcare Trusts adopting a standardised Electronic Patient Record creating a single digital care record for every citizen in Northern Ireland receiving health and social care. It was during this transformation, whilst working in the first Trust to ‘Go Live’ that my involvement and further interest in digital midwifery deepened. This led to my current role as Lead Midwife in the Trust’s Nursing & Midwifery Digital & Information Practice Team.
Digital midwifery roles in Northern Ireland are a recent development, which motivated my participation in the RCM Digital Midwives Network. The enthusiasm at the first meeting was evident as a group of like-minded midwives met to learn and share experiences of digital midwifery throughout the UK. There was a keen sense that being part of the network would lead to valuable national collaboration and shared learning opportunities; hearing what went well for some and what advice others could give as they faced challenges. With representation from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland it was clear there is a lack of national standardisation of the digital midwifery role. The initial priority of the network includes work to raise the profile of Digital Midwives, communicating who we are and areas we cover, as well as working to define the role. Those attending from smaller Nations hugely appreciated the advantages of forming a community of support. Plans were made for future meetings including a focus on the use of AI in Maternity care. On a personal note being part of this network is invaluable, as it provides opportunities to learn from successful digital innovation across the UK, which can inform the development of digital midwifery in Northern Ireland and contribute to enhancing maternity care experiences for women and families in the region.
