The initiative aims to prevent those with limited financial falling into ‘digital deprivation'.

Laura Stephenson, digital midwife for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘All of our maternity records across Tees are now stored on a secure online system called BadgerNet. This is so much easier for patients to access their notes but only if they have internet access.

‘The digital midwives in the North East and North Cumbria Local Maternity and Neonatal System decided we were going to sign up to The Good Things Foundation and the National Databank to offer women in the area access to free mobile data.

‘Women who meet the criteria will be able to get a free SIM card, preloaded with data, so they can log into their BadgerNet notes throughout their pregnancy journey.'

Grace Murray, digital midwife at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust commented: ‘The NHS Long Term Plan recommends that all woman should have access to their maternity records, by providing free data we are ensuring that this recommendation is achievable.

‘We've worked closely with a non-for-profit organisation in Middlesbrough called FurbdIT meaning we are also able to offer a refurbished phone if needed.

‘With the SIM cards being provided by the Good Things Foundation and the phones from FurbdIT, we can offer this new service to some very vulnerable women at no additional cost to the NHS.'

The scheme, which was recently presented with a baby lifeline UK MUM award (maternity unit marvels) at a special reception at the House of Commons in recognition of the service improvement, is now being adapted throughout the England.