NHS Federated Data Platform explained
Our purpose
The NHS Federated Data Platform connects vital health information across the NHS, helping staff deliver better care for patients and work more efficiently.
We believe…
A connected NHS will allow teams to deliver their services seamlessly with patients at the heart.
What is it?
The NHS Federated Data Platform is a foundational data infrastructure with distinct components:
- core infrastructure: the platform primarily connects existing systems and data, breaking down silos to create a unified view of information
- product solutions: specific applications built on the platform address particular challenges like ‘waiting list management’ and ‘discharge planning’
- analytical capabilities: the platform provides tools to analyse connected data, helping identify patterns and opportunities for improvement
How does it work?
Each NHS organisation, for example a trust or integrated care board (ICB), will have their own ‘instance’ of the NHS Federated Data Platform for which they are the data controller and NHS England is responsible for the national instance.
Organisations with an NHS Federated Data Platform instance will have the ability to connect and share information between them and in relation to any personal information, where data protection law allows it. For example, to discharge a patient from hospital into a care setting.
The national NHS England instance serves as a replacement for multiple legacy systems, and delivering accurate, near-real-time data to inform strategic and operational planning.
If data is shared nationally for planning, then separate privacy enhancing technology is used to remove personable identifiable information such as a patient’s name and NHS number.
More detail on the individual instances and the full architecture that makes us the NHS Federated Data Platform is available here: NHS England » NHS Federated Data Platform infrastructure.
Our mission
A fully connected NHS
The NHS Federated Data Platform brings together information from different systems across the NHS, enabling hospitals and ICBs to use and build digital solutions that improve service efficiency with patient care prioritised.
Data security is our first priority
Safeguarding your data with encryption and purpose-based access, the NHS Federated Data Platform is continuously monitored.
Regular security testing and backup systems ensure reliability during any disruptions.
A flexible, open-minded data platform
The NHS Federated Data Platform can flex and adjust to address the requirements of local organisations and teams.
It enables ICBs and trusts to use pre-existing solutions and encourages them to create their own to improve patient care.
From insight to action
The NHS Federated Data Platform doesn’t just provide data – it enables teams to take appropriate actions based on evidence.
This helps organisations make the right corrective moves to improve outcomes and demonstrate productivity gains.
Saving time, streamlining coordination, enhancing care
The NHS Federated Data Platform enables healthcare organisations to consolidate information into a single secure environment.
This integration improves care co-ordination, expands treatment options, and leads to enhanced clinical outcomes.
Ensuring clinicians spend less time on admin
Connected systems streamline processes for NHS staff and clinicians, providing quick access to essential information, enabling them to spend less time on admin.
Connecting multiple legacy systems
It doesn’t replace – it sits on top of multiple systems securely connecting them through a single sign-on authentication system, eliminating the need for multiple log-ins and streamlining access across various systems.
With real insights in near-real-time, and each instance speaking the same language for ultimate clarity, the platform serves as a foundation for future innovation, including AI tools.