Midwives in Bridport believe the Dorset Care Record will make a huge difference to their lives.
The Bridport midwifery team have been chosen as early adopters, which will allow them to see the relevant records from the GP surgery in the town when the DCR goes live later this autumn.
Two other midwifery teams from Poole and Bournemouth have also been selected as early adopters
Ali Crabbe, head of the Dorset County Hospital Bridport midwifery team, said at present the team felt they were working with one hand tied behind their backs.
“When a referral comes in, at present I cannot see the information I need to know, which can be very awkward.”
“It means that sometimes we see the patient without all the details that we need and we don’t know the mother’s past history.”
“They may for example not disclose they’ve had depression or had miscarriages in the past.”
“Having the Dorset Care Record available will be a real step forward. There have been so many times when I’ve had to go back to the GP and ask for further information.”
Mrs Crabbe said the GP surgery in Bridport was really helpful but if the lead was out of the office or on leave, it led to delays in getting vital information and passing this on to health visitors.
The DCR project team believes the move will also be a benefit to the surgery as it will save time for GPs dealing with requests for information.
Last year, the team looked after 245 pregnant mothers, providing a vital service to the West Dorset community.