The NHS Federated Data Platform: the importance of building bridges with the public

In this extended blog, the NDG acknowledges the public's concerns about the NHS Federated Data Platform programme and advises the system how it might address them.

The NHS has made significant progress in improving its IT and use of data over the years. But it has also experienced some high-profile setbacks and failures. This is why well-intentioned initiatives like General Practice for Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR), care.data, and the National Programme for IT now serve as history lessons. They remind us of how vital it is to communicate and engage effectively with the public and professionals to maintain trust in how the NHS handles people’s data.

As the National Data Guardian, I want to help the NHS avoid any further setbacks on the path to progress, and so I find myself asking, “What role can I play in ensuring that those lessons from history have been learnt?”

This question has been brought into sharp focus in the context of the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP), currently being procured by NHS England.

The platform aims to connect disparate IT systems across health and care. This will enable frontline staff and those managing our care services to access essential tools and information in a safe and secure way, allowing them to coordinate, plan and deliver care services more effectively. If designed and delivered correctly, this new system could have a transformative impact on the NHS and help support its sustainability longer-term. However, unfortunately but understandably, it has been receiving some negative attention that merits a thoughtful, considered response.

With this in mind, I am publishing this extended blog to: