Introduction

As maternity care becomes increasingly digitised, the protection of patient information becomes a top priority. From medical history to mental health, maternity records hold highly sensitive data. For NHS Trusts, ensuring that digital records are secure and compliant is not optional; it’s essential.

MiRecord is a maternity record system developed with UK information governance and NHS data protection requirements in mind. It offers secure data handling, robust access controls, and transparency for patients and staff.

Why Maternity Data Is Uniquely Sensitive

Maternity records include more than physical health. They often cover:

• Mental health risks
  
  
• Domestic safety concerns
  
  
• Cultural considerations
  
  
• Previous obstetric complications
  
  

This information can directly impact both maternal and fetal safety. Any breach or mishandling can have serious consequences. Therefore, the way this data is stored, shared, and accessed must meet the highest standards of care and confidentiality.

MiRecord’s Approach to Security

MiRecord is designed with NHS-level data protection at its core. Key features include:

• Role-based access control: Only authorised staff involved in care can view or update patient records
  
  
• Full audit logs: Every interaction is recorded with time, user, and action type
  
  
• Secure data hosting: Information is encrypted at rest and in transit, stored within UK-compliant servers
  
  
• Multi-factor authentication: Prevents unauthorised access to sensitive records
  
  

These systems help Trusts meet the requirements of the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit
(DSP Toolkit) and uphold the Caldicott Principles for patient confidentiality.
(Caldicott Guardian guidance – NHS England)

Transparency and Patient Consent

MiRecord also supports women in understanding how their data is used. Where Trusts enable access, women can:

• View their records securely online
  
  
• See who has accessed their record
  
  
• Make informed decisions about data sharing
  
  

This aligns with UK GDPR guidance and NHS best practice for patient engagement in data use
(Information Commissioner’s Office – Health Data).

Guarding Against Cyber Threats

The healthcare sector remains a frequent target for cyberattacks. MiRecord adopts a risk-managed approach to these threats by:

• Encrypting all transmissions
  
  
• Conducting regular security reviews
  
  
• Supporting real-time data backup
  
  
• Implementing session time-outs and login limits
  
  

This ensures that even in high-risk digital environments, patient data remains protected.

Conclusion

Data security in maternity care is not just about systems; it’s about trust. MiRecord supports NHS Trusts in delivering high-quality, confidential, and compliant digital care. With built-in safeguards, transparency tools, and alignment to UK regulations, MiRecord gives clinicians and women peace of mind in the digital age.