Bridging the Gap: Tackling Digital Exclusion in Maternity Care through the Maternity Databank
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Introduction:
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB launched the Maternity Databank to ensure the shift to digital maternity records doesn't leave anyone behind. With 59.3% of the population living in deprived areas, digital exclusion was identified as a serious risk. The initiative provides free mobile data to women and birthing people who may struggle to access digital care, aiming to embed equity into digital transformation from the outset.
What We Did:
The Maternity Databank was embedded directly into the maternity referral pathway, using Connected Care questions to identify digital exclusion early—without requiring individuals to ask for help. Midwives could offer support during routine appointments or through onward/self-referral. Working with the Good Things Foundation, SIM cards were distributed to ensure secure, reliable access to personal maternity records, care plans, and online resources. A full implementation pack supported roll-out with minimal clinical burden.
Outcomes:
- 70 women and birthing people have received SIM cards
- 7.8% of referrals were digitally excluded. After adjusting criteria, eligibility widened to better reflect real-life barriers
- 82% of recipients reported improved access to healthcare
- 70% felt more connected to maternity services
- Strong qualitative feedback showed impacts on safety, independence, and wellbeing
Learnings:
Embedding digital inclusion within routine maternity referral pathways rather than relying on staff identification ensured consistent, equitable support without added burden.
Rigid income thresholds excluded some genuinely at-risk individuals; replacing them with professional judgement improved access and should be adopted from the start.
What’s next?
An implementation pack is enabling other health boards to adopt the model, with active engagement already underway across Wales. Future plans include expanding to other services like health visiting and perinatal mental health and addressing device access to tackle deeper digital exclusion.
