Health professional accessing data on a computer

Health Secretary to investigate consistent NHS data platform

In his keynote speech at the Digital Health REWIRED 2021 virtual festival, Health Secretary Matt Hancock mused on plans around shared data records and the concept of establishing an NHS-wide data platform.

Currently, most health patient data is held by the companies delivering record-keeping solutions to the NHS.

For Mr Hancock, this presented an area with significant potential for change and improvement.

During his keynote speech, the Health Secretary suggested the idea of deconstructing the solution into two separate layers, a data layer and an application layer, and disconnecting these from one another.

He explained: “[Doing so] would allow us to have the data stored separately and securely in the cloud.

“This data is held by the companies delivering the systems. But it is not their data; and the system risks data not being easily accessible for shared. It could hamper the life-saving role of data in patient safety.

“We must make it easier to interact with data from multiple NHS organisations.

“I want us to explore removing this data layer from the application layer. [As a solution] we could look to establish a consistent data platform across the NHS.

“It would be a big change, but this is a year of big changes.”

Mr Hancock’s comments appeared to very much be early thoughts, rather than a concise NHS policy, but reiterated his determination to drive digital transformation in the NHS.

NHE September/October 2023

NHE September/October 2023

Empowering the next generation to lead the way in hard-to-treat cancers.

The September/October 2023 edition of NHE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key health sector topics, from digital transformation to navigating post-pandemic challenges.

Videos...

View all videos
National Health Executive Presents

National Health Executive Presents

NHE365 Virtual Events

NHE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of healthcare services. Over 365 days you'll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with the knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

National Health Executive Podcast

Ep. 36
How interoperability can support the NHS's core goals
with Ed Platt

In episode 36 of the National Health Executive podcast, we were joined by Omnicell’s UK professional services director, Ed Platt, to discuss interoperability in the NHS, practical examples of where it can be leveraged best, the importance of the health service's digital transformation journey and more.

More articles...

View all