The digital inclusion maternity team at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) has been recognised in the prestigious Maternity Unit Marvels (MUM) Awards 2025.
These annual awards, hosted by the charity Baby Lifeline, celebrate outstanding dedication and exceptional care across the UK's maternity and neonatal services.
UHMBT’s specialist Digital Midwife is part of a national network of Digital Midwives which won the Achieving Excellence Through Service Improvements Award.
This initiative helps to ensure that everyone has equitable, meaningful and safe access to, and the skills to use, digital technologies and opportunities. In partnership with the Good Things Foundation, they have helped set up Maternity Databank Hubs across England through the #FixingTheDigitalDivide project.
These hubs provide free SIM cards and digital support to women who may not have access to mobile data, especially those affected by domestic abuse or financial hardship. This helps women stay connected, access their health records and find vital services.
The team also implemented ‘Connecting Care Questions’ to identify individual needs and ensure women get the right support. Their work has improved digital equity and helped those most in need to access essential information.
One of the judges said: “This is a great example of how digital tools can make healthcare more inclusive.” Another judge said: “The focus on supporting marginalised women really stood out.”
The recognition is a powerful testament to the hard work and dedication of UHMBT’s maternity colleagues, who were nominated by families who experienced their care first-hand.
Karen Bridgeman, Digital Midwife for UHMBT, and Co-Chair of the North West Maternity and Neonatal Digital Network Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised in the national MUM Awards.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from the families we serve and whose stories are at the heart of everything we do.”
A mum benefitting from the initiative in the Morecambe Bay area, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I was so thankful for the SIM card because I had zero way of keeping in contact with anybody unless they called me. The hospital team changed that, and when I did go into early labour, it certainly came in handy. I’m grateful to the team for that.”
The UK MUM Awards 2025 ceremony was held at the historic Palace of Westminster in London, bringing together healthcare professionals and leaders from across the country to celebrate best practice and innovation.
Karen added: “This award motivates us to continue building on our successes and ensuring that every family in Morecambe Bay receives the very best start in life.”
UHMBT encourages all local families to share their feedback and experiences to help inform and shape the future of its maternity services.
More information about the award is on this link: Digital Midwives | Baby Lifeline
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