Standard of handwriting is part of a midwife's duty of care

The Government is rolling out technology to implement a unified system of electronic record-keeping and prescribing as part of its response to the Francis Report (2013). The system is a key component of the aim to create a digital NHS by 2018, with a goal of improving the safety of women and babies caused by the poor hand writing of health professionals (Department of Health (DH), 2013). Until the system is fully introduced, midwives will have to ensure that the standard of their handwriting meets the requirements of the law as part of their duty of care.

The relationship between midwives and the mothers and babies in their care gives rise to a duty situation where they are legally obliged to ensure that harm does not occur due to a careless act, or failure to act, on their part (Kent v Griffiths [2001]).