The Acute Healthcare Operational Data Flows (Acute HODF) collection supports NHS delivery plans for recovering waiting lists and improving patient flow through more timely data.

Over time, this data will help drive improvements in how patients move through the health and social care system. NHS England will provide daily reporting to support commissioners managing services across primary care, secondary care, community services and mental health.

Read the HODF Acute Information Standard on the NHS Digital website.

Legal basis

The collection of data through the HODF programme is supported by statute.

Under section 259(1)(a) of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, NHS England can require data from health and social care providers in England when directed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

This data flow has been formally directed by the Secretary of State and is set out in a published Data Provision Notice (DPN). Organisations within scope are legally required under section 259(5) of the Act to provide the specified data.

Under the HODF Acute Information Standard (DAPB4094), providers must set up a daily data flow of patient-level data via secure upload to the Arden and GEM CSU Data Services for Commissioners Regional Office on behalf of NHS England.

Who needs to submit

This collection applies to all NHS acute trusts and NHS foundation trusts delivering NHS-funded services in England. These organisations must submit data as specified in the Data Provision Notice, in line with national standards and timelines.

What to submit and when

All four collections must be submitted by 11am, seven days a week. Where submissions are not automated, weekend and bank holiday data must be submitted retrospectively on the next working day.

For guidance on how to submit, visit the Futures collaboration platform (a login is required): National Reporting – Futures