How MOSS Is Set to Strengthen Maternity Safety

At the end of 2025, NHS England launched a tool designed to identify and address potential risks in maternity units across the country

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Open Access Government

The Maternity Outcomes Signal System (MOSS) aims to enhance the care of mothers and babies by proactively detecting safety concerns before they escalate. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve the safety and quality of maternity care in the UK.

Proactive Data Monitoring

MOSS works by continuously analysing routinely recorded maternity data, identifying any emerging trends that may signal an increase in adverse events or complications. By tracking patterns such as rising rates of neonatal harm or childbirth complications, the system is designed to detect safety issues early, allowing healthcare teams to intervene quickly and prevent further risks. As a result, the system plays a vital role in improving safety outcomes for mothers and babies.

Early Alerts and Immediate Action

Once the MOSS tool detects a concerning trend or anomaly, it sends an immediate alert to the relevant maternity unit, prompting a safety review. The system continuously monitors data collected during routine maternity care, which means that it operates around the clock – seven days a week – providing consistent support to maternity teams.

Rebuilding Trust in Maternity Services

MOSS is part of NHS England’s response to a series of high-profile maternity care failures in recent years, including the findings of the “Reading the Signals” report. This independent investigation, led by Dr. Bill Kirkup, highlighted serious lapses in safety within maternity and neonatal services in East Kent. The tool is expected to help rebuild trust in maternity services.

What to Expect from the Rollout of MOSS

As MOSS is gradually rolled out across the UK, maternity units will begin integrating the system into their daily operations. Initially, the rollout will focus on ensuring that staff are properly trained to use the system effectively. While the full national rollout will take time, NHS England expects the system to be fully operational across all maternity units in the coming months.

Although MOSS is primarily aimed at improving safety within hospital-based maternity units, its impact is also expected to extend to primary care providers, including GP surgeries. In areas where patients may have concerns about their maternity care, GPs and other primary care professionals should be aware of the tool and its role in identifying potential risks early.

The introduction of MOSS reflects NHS England’s commitment to learning from past mistakes and taking action to improve maternity care. As the tool becomes more integrated into the healthcare system, NHS England anticipates that it will play an essential role in safeguarding the wellbeing of mothers and babies throughout the country. With the continued commitment to data-driven safety monitoring, MOSS promises to be a crucial tool in the effort to ensure safer and more reliable maternity care.