Mother launches midwifery advice app

A Worthing midwife has created an app to reduce the pressure on NHS midwifery teams across the country.
Hannah Harvey launched the app to help lift the strain on midwifery teams in the NHS. Picture: Hannah HarveyHannah Harvey launched the app to help lift the strain on midwifery teams in the NHS. Picture: Hannah Harvey
Hannah Harvey launched the app to help lift the strain on midwifery teams in the NHS. Picture: Hannah Harvey

Hannah Harvey, 28, works at Worthing Hospital as a midwife for Western Sussex Hospitals.

The mother of two launched the app ‘Ask the Midwife’ in July to provide new or soon to be mothers with professional midwifery advice.

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The app allows mothers to log on and pitch a question to one of 40 midwives on hand to provide an answer within one hour.

Hannah said: “We currently have 40 midwives working to answer the questions asked. We aim to provide an answer within one hour but we usually respond in about ten minutes.

“I got the idea for the app when my second child was eight weeks old. I was off work and missed being a midwife. I hope this app can lift the strain on the already stretched NHS.”

Hannah won a competition in November to have her app retweeted by business and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis as part of his ‘Small Business Sunday’ scheme.

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Hannah added: “So far, 3,500 people have downloaded the app and we have a social media following of 15,000.

The app is available on iOS for free. Picture: Hannah HarveyThe app is available on iOS for free. Picture: Hannah Harvey
The app is available on iOS for free. Picture: Hannah Harvey

“Like for any new business, it’s been tough trying to raise the profile of Ask The Midwife and ensure all expectant women hear that we are available to help them.

“A friend told me about Small Business Sunday so I thought I’d give it a shot. I was so excited when Theo recognised my innovative idea and helped spread the word about what we do to his followers. Who would have thought a simple re-tweet could lead to so many good things.”

The app is free to download on iOS along with one free question. The app then makes a charge of £1.99 for each question. Hannah hopes to launch an Android version in 2017.

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The app is available on iOS for free. Picture: Hannah HarveyThe app is available on iOS for free. Picture: Hannah Harvey
The app is available on iOS for free. Picture: Hannah Harvey

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