Congratulations on your pregnancy and we are delighted you are having your maternity care in Portiuncula University Hospital

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about your Handheld Healthcare Record (Green Chart) in PUH Maternity Servives:

What does ‘holding my notes’ mean for me?

It is recommended that you hold your own maternity healthcare record (green chart) as this helps to improve the sharing of information with yourself, hospital staff, Midwives and G.P.'s.  In many hospitals women already carry their own maternity healthcare record and from October 3rd 2022 this will commence at Portiuncula University Hospital.

If there is a reason this may be difficult for you (e.g. confidential information) please let a member of the maternity team know.

This record is essential to support your care and you will have responsibility for its safe-keeping and security when in your possession.

What appointments do I bring my maternity healthcare record (green chart) to?

You are required to bring your maternity healthcare record (green chart) to ALL medical appointments during your pregnancy.

This includes visits to:

• You’re G.P.

• All antenatal appointment

• If you need to attend the maternity with an emergency

• In labour

• Meetings with other healthcare professional i.e. the physio, medical social worker, the anaesthetist, perinatal mental health midwife, lactation midwife, birth after caesarean midwife, diabetic team etc.

It is also useful to bring your maternity healthcare record (green chart) for non-pregnancy related medical appointments i.e. mental health teams, medical or surgical appointments, to support decision making.

What happens with maternity healthcare record (green chart) when I have my baby?

The maternity healthcare record (green chart) then becomes the responsibility of the hospital for storage, coding and safe keeping. You will not get your record to bring home.

What happens if I forget my maternity healthcare record (green chart)?

You or a family member/partner will be asked to return for the record. We ask this because we can better care for you and your baby with access to your complete maternity notes.