NHS Federated Data Platform

We recognise patients and members of the public care deeply about how NHS data is used, stored. We are aware of the concerns raised by patient groups and others regarding data governance, transparency and public trust. Equally, NHS England has stated that the FDP has been developed to help the NHS make better use of data to support the delivery of patient care and operational planning.

The contract for the Federated Data Platform was procured and is managed nationally by NHS England. Decisions regarding the future of that contract, including any extension or termination, are matters for NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care rather than individual NHS trusts.

As a provider organisation, our responsibility is to ensure that any use of patient information is lawful, secure and appropriately governed. Any system used within our organisation, including national systems, must comply with UK data protection legislation, NHS information governance requirements and our own local governance processes. Any proposal to expand the use of the FDP locally would be subject to appropriate scrutiny, risk assessment and information governance review before any decision is made.

At present, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has implemented only a limited local use of the FDP in support of national cost collection requirements and has not deployed the wider FDP applications. Any future use would be considered through our established governance arrangements, taking account of clinical need, patient benefit, information governance requirements and public confidence.

We recognise public trust is fundamental to the NHS. The RCHT Board takes its responsibilities regarding patient confidentiality, data protection and ethical use of information extremely seriously. We continue to monitor national developments concerning the FDP.

If you would like information about the national programme, its governance arrangements or NHS England’s position on the Federated Data Platform, further information is available on the NHS England website.