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Submitting data for the MSDS to the Strategic Data Collection Service (SDCS) cloud.
The Strategic Data Collection Service (SDCS) Cloud is the submission tool for the Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS) v2.0.
How to register to submit data to MSDS
Providers must submit MSDS data via the Strategic Data Collection Service in the Cloud (SDCS Cloud) using a registered account.
You can learn more about registering for and submitting MSDS data through the SDCS Cloud by reading the guidance provided by the SDCS service.
MSDS v2.0 submission dates
Data submissions for Maternity Services are based upon fixed reporting periods. There is a period of approximately two months for each submission to be undertaken. Data submissions are required on a monthly basis; the timetable for 2020/21 is in this table.
Month |
Submission window opens |
Submission window closes (end of) |
---|---|---|
May 2020 | 1 June 2020 | 31 July 2020 |
June 2020 | 1 July 2020 | 31 August 2020 |
July 2020 | 1 August 2020 | 30 September 2020 |
August 2020 | 1 September 2020 | 31 October 2020 |
September 2020 | 1 October 2020 | 30 November 2020 |
October 2020 | 1 November 2020 | 31 December 2020 |
November 2020 | 1 December 2020 | 31 January 2021 |
December 2020 | 1 January 2021 | 28 February 2021 |
January 2021 | 1 February 2021 | 31 March 2021 |
February 2021 | 1 March 2021 | 30 April 2021 |
March 2021 | 1 April 2021 | 31 May 2021 |
What data to submit
The MSDS requirements are set out in the MSDS v.2.0 (DCB1513) information standard. The standard defines the data items, definitions and associated value sets to be extracted or derived from local information systems.
During the submission window, providers can make as many submissions as are needed. Any files submitted to and accepted by the SDCS Cloud overwrite previously submitted files. It is therefore imperative that providers thoroughly check their data submission as there are no opportunities to re-submit data for a time period once this portal has closed.
You may also find it useful to read the SDCS Cloud data quality guide.
Once the window closes the 'last good file' present will be made available for national analysis and reporting.
Read how to implement MSDS v2.0 and access tools and guidance.
How to submit data to the MSDS
MSDS v2.0 XML Schema and optional Intermediate Database (IDB)
The MSDS is submitted to NHS Digital using an XML file that is compliant with the MSDS v2.0 XML Schema. The XML schema has been developed along with an MSDS Intermediate Database (IDB) tool that can be used as an alternative to the XML schema to enable providers to load or copy their data into the provided table structure for submission to the MSDS. To access the MSDS v2.0 XML Schema or IDB you will need to register and create an account through the link on the TRUD homepage.
MSDS v2.0 submission XML Schema Version 2.0
The Maternity Services Data Set submission XML Schema Version 2.0 is available on the TRUD website within NHS Data Model and Dictionary XML Schemas under the categories on the left of the page.
Intermediate Database (IDB)
The Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS) intermediate database tool for MSDS v2.0 is available on the TRUD website within Data Set Development Services Tools, under the heading Categories on the left of the page.
The intermediate database for MSDS v2.0 is a Microsoft Access database and must be provided in this format. You may also find it useful to read the intermediate database guidance.
You will need to register to use the submission portal and supply a data user certificate (DUC) form.
To register and authenticate an account for the SDCS Cloud refer to the SDCS Cloud User Guide on the SDCS website.
- Contact the National Service Desk if you are experiencing issues and require operational support in using the SDCS cloud on 0300 303 5035 or email ssd.nationalservicedesk@nhs.net
- Contact the NHS Digital Enquiries team on 0300 303 5678 or email enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk to raise a general MSDS enquiry.