18th November 2025
18th November 2025
HSU has now adopted the Milou software
The South Iceland Healthcare Institution (HSU) has now adopted the Milou software, a gift from the Icelandic Women’s Association to all birthing facilities in the country. Milou is an electronic, internet-connected fetal heart monitoring system that offers centralized recording and analysis of fetal heart tracings, marking a major technological step forward for maternity care in rural areas.
Björk Steindórsdóttir, Head Midwife, together with Dagmar and Elínborg
HSU in Vestmannaeyjar was the first of HSU’s facilities to receive the equipment. “This delivery highlights the purpose of the equipment, which is to allow expectant mothers and growing families to stay at home as much as possible during the final stages of pregnancy, thereby reducing frequent and often costly travel whenever it can be avoided,” says Björk Steindórsdóttir, Head Midwife at HSU.
According to Björk, the system has been in development for five years, and its implementation marks an important milestone. With Milou, midwives in rural areas can connect electronically with specialists at Landspítali, seek advice, and share data securely and efficiently. This improves safety for women, staff, and especially for midwives who sometimes work alone in remote regions.
“We, who work in rural areas, look forward to increased professional support and better services for families,” says Björk. The system enables fetal heart rate tracings to be displayed on a central monitor, for example in a duty room, and reviewed on computer screens. Electronic data storage ensures better security and durability than before, and the system offers systematic classification and analysis. Since Milou is internet-connected, birthing facilities can share tracings with each other and provide mutual consultation.
“Alongside this implementation, Höfn has also received a hearing screener and a bilirubin meter, which is an invaluable addition to their work in infant care in the region,” says Björk.
HSU sincerely thanks the Icelandic Women’s Association and all the women who contributed to the collection for their generous donation, which will not only benefit HSU’s operations but also enhance the service and safety of residents in South Iceland.