Use of the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP)

We recognise that members of the public expect the NHS to protect their personal information to the highest standards, and we understand why questions about the use of patient data by digital systems are important to patients and local communities. 

The Federated Data Platform is a nationally commissioned NHS programme, and decisions regarding its development and procurement are made at a national level.

Locally, our responsibility is to ensure that any systems used within our organisation meet all relevant legal, regulatory and information governance requirements and support the best possible care for patients.

To date, NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB has activated our local Federated Data Platform tenant. Its scope is focused on the Strategic Commissioning Tool, which is available to specific staff within the ICB to help them explore and understand its capabilities. 

 All data currently held in our FDP tenant has been processed nationally using privacy-enhancing technology to remove personally identifiable information and then provide it to the ICB by NHS England. No information from local GP practices or identifiable information from any NHS trusts has been used.

We are exploring elements in regard to different tools available to ICBs but these are at a very early stage, and any decision to use these tools as part of regular business would be subject to the same rigorous requirements that apply to all NHS digital systems. 

All data processing activities would continue to be conducted in line with robust privacy, security, and information governance standards, as outlined in the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), with detailed clear procedures to protect personal and sensitive information, and to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The ICB will update its privacy notice as usage of the FDP evolves, and will remain open, transparent and accountable in its management of the FDP.

Overall the aim of the platform is to safely connect NHS information, enabling the NHS to proactively plan services and identify health trends, linking data to understand the factors which are driving poor outcomes in different population groups; for example, how many people could be affected by an illness like diabetes or asthma. ICBs and Trusts already using NHS FDP are applying it to care coordination, population health management, and supply chain priorities. 

If you would like to read more about the NHS Federated Data Platform, please visit the NHS England website.