More new and expectant mums and birthing people are now finding it easier to access free NHS prescriptions and potentially save hundreds of pounds.
Up to 900 women a month are now taking advantage of digital maternity certificates, which give free NHS prescriptions during pregnancy and for up to a year after giving birth. All saving money on everything from prescription medications to dental care.
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) have worked with the NHS Business Services Authority to help more women get quicker access to this important and helpful benefit, which has boosted uptake from 36% to 96% in a year.
One of the patients who has already benefitted from the digital maternity exemption certificate is Sophia Sassi-Charge, 31, from Rochford.
My midwife told me about the scheme and it made such a difference. I needed medication during pregnancy and hadn’t received the paper certificate yet, but she sorted out a digital copy and I had it within ten minutes. It was so straightforward and saved me a lot of stress. I think everyone should have access to a digital version. It’s much quicker and easier to show this on your phone than carry around a bit of paper.
Sophia Sassi-Charge, Rochford
Moving to a digital system means certificates arrive almost instantly, helping avoid delays and reducing the risk of fines caused by mistakenly claiming before exemption is confirmed.
This has been made possible by the dedication of our maternity staff and a targeted social media campaign. This success means we are now better placed to issue the certificates as early as possible in the pregnancy journey.
Speaking with women as early as possible is critical for the success of initiatives like this and we are now looking at women requesting certificates during self-referral, which will mean they can take advantage of the scheme and start making those savings much sooner.
Nicki Abbott, Managing Director for Women and Children’s Service at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
We’re delighted to see such a dramatic improvement in uptake of maternity exemption certificates. This digital transformation removes barriers and ensures expectant mothers can access the financial support they’re entitled to without unnecessary delays or administrative hurdles.
Giles Thorpe, Executive Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Mid and South Essex ICB