Maternity Services Data Set

NHS Digital has been directed by NHS England to establish a national collection of information relating to activity carried out by NHS-funded maternity services in England. 

The Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS) includes all activity relating to the mother and baby or babies, from the point of the first booking appointment until mother and baby or babies are discharged.

The MSDS data is used to improve clinical quality and service efficiency and to commission services in a way that improves health and reduces inequalities. The data assists care providers, commissioners, clinicians, service users and members of the wider public in understanding what maternity care is delivered, with what outcomes, as well as supporting commissioning, payment and planning.

This Notice is served on:

• All health organisations providing NHS-funded maternity services in England

Version 2.0 of the Maternity Services Data Set became live on 1st April 2019, with monthly submissions starting from 1st May 2019.

Version 1.1 of this Notice does not change the frequency of submission.  View the current submission schedule.

12 May 2022: Version 1.1 of this Notice has been issued to reflect a change in Information Asset Owner and web links refresh. No changes made to data items.