Charlotte Taphouse is a SHIP LMNS Digital Transformation Lead who is currently working at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB. With a background as a midwife spanning 13 years, Charlotte’s journey into digital midwifery began in 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust implemented BadgerNet.

Making The Move to Digital

As COVID-19 hit, Charlotte was managing a ward which had been converted from one of their birth centres to accommodate the outbreak. Charlotte was seeking a change, and in September 2020 a new role for a digital midwife emerged – a position previously non-existent due to the lack of digital systems. Charlotte applied and successfully secured her first digital role at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

The transition was intense, with Charlotte’s first task being to implement BadgerNet whilst navigating the challenges of Covid-19 restrictions. This meant working excess hours, mapping out processes and conducting training mostly online. Thanks to Charlotte’s dedication, the staff and project team’s adaptability and willingness to try something new, and Charlotte’s long-standing relationships within the team, the team completed the go-live in just 16 weeks which is an amazing achievement especially under the immense pressure of the pandemic.

Award-Winning Work

In March 2021, Charlotte briefly stepped away from digital to take on the role of Matron, where she was managing the labour ward while still overseeing digital projects. However, her passion for digital transformation led her back to a full-time digital role, where she spearheaded the introduction of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) collaborating closely with the IT team to achieve significant milestones.

One example of where Charlotte’s work with RPA has truly shone is in the Antenatal Clinic. In this location the team’s initiatives are projected to save an impressive 18,000 work hours annually by streamlining administrative processes, whilst ensuring the team meet key NHS targets. This achievement underscores the tangible benefits of digital transformation and the positive difference being made in the healthcare sector.

This work has been recognised multiple times for the impact it has had. In 2023, Charlotte’s team was awarded a HSJ Digital Award. They were also honoured as finalists for the Parliamentary Awards, showcasing their dedication and impact on a national level. The team’s efforts have not gone unnoticed locally either, with the team also receiving multiple local awards, further highlighting the significant strides they have made.

The Future

Charlotte transitioned to a part-time role at Portsmouth in June 2023, while also taking on digital transformation work for SHIP LMNS, supporting digital initiatives across four trusts. Her focus now includes additional interfaces with System C and broader digital transformation projects, ensuring that digital teams have the support they need and fostering the development of digital leaders. Charlotte is also committed to giving back to the community by speaking regularly at events to help educate individuals about the power of digital transformation.

Next, Charlotte aims to leverage her experience in maternity to influence wider healthcare projects across Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and beyond. She finds fulfilment in seeing the positive outcomes of her work, both for patients and staff, and is dedicated to continuing her journey in digital healthcare.

Charlotte’s Advice to Others

Charlotte’s journey to success in the healthcare sector is a testament to her deep understanding of the maternity department’s inner workings. She understands the team and the processes they follow, which has been invaluable during her digital career to date. For midwives aspiring to embrace digital transformation, Charlotte therefore advises to take the time to thoroughly understand your service. Identify the pinch points and recognise the areas where clinical risks are most significant. This understanding is the foundation for finding effective solutions. Without it, reaching a solution is nearly impossible.

Charlotte also emphasises the importance of going back to basics when starting your digital transformation. Understanding the ‘why’ is essential. Without this clarity, improving and innovating becomes a daunting task. By stripping everything back and focusing on the core reasons behind each process, midwives can pave the way for meaningful and effective digital advancements in their practice.

Charlotte’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of digital innovation in healthcare. We look forward to seeing what she does next!

Next Steps

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