Up to 900 women a month are taking advantage of digital maternity certificates, which give free NHS prescriptions during pregnancy and for up to a year after giving birth. Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) worked with the NHS Business Services Authority to help women get quicker access to this benefit. The digital approach means certificates are received almost instantly, avoiding delays and the risk of fines caused by mistakenly claiming before exemption confirmation. Giles Thorpe, executive chief nursing officer at NHS Mid and South Essex ICB, said: "We're delighted to see such a dramatic improvement in uptake of maternity exemption certificates. "This digital transformation removes barriers and ensures expectant mothers can access the financial support they're entitled to without unnecessary delays or administrative hurdles."