Federated Data Platform Check and Challenge Group – minutes and action notes: 14 June 2024

Please note that this meeting took place during the pre-election period. In order to maintain engagement and support an ongoing dialogue, whilst adhering to pre-election rules, this meeting was reduced to 30 minutes with optional attendance. The FDP Programme team provided an informal update on programme progress and the group had a brief discussion.

Meeting notes

Welcome and introductions

The chair welcomed all members to the call and reminded members that this session has been reduced to 30 minutes, with optional attendance, for the Federated Data Platform (FDP) Programme team to provide an informal update on programme progress whilst adhering to pre-election period rules.

NHS Federated Data Platform Programme update

The FDP Programme delivery director provided an overview of key updates to the programme.

The Programme is currently in transition phase with trusts transitioning onto the NHS FDP, with 11 trusts now live on the NHS FDP with further sites planned over the coming weeks. The programme has continued with the national product transition, with key products transitioning over to the FDP such as the Performance oversight dashboard. The FDP Programme delivery director advised that privacy notices are being published as being published as products go live.

The programme continues towards the trajectory to 71 sites adopting FDP with a strong demand pipeline in place, and trusts starting to complete onboarding activities.

The chair opened the discussion to the group for any questions.

The group asked if there will be an opportunity to sense check progress against objectives and targets, specifically benefit targets. The FDP Programme delivery director advised that the sites that are transitioning are continuing to achieve waiting list reductions and improved theatre utilisation, this continues to be tracked on a daily basis and the programme continues to track benefits. A benefits framework has been developed and submitted through the GMPP requirements to Cabinet Office. The programme also has designated benefits leads to ensure benefits continue to be tracked. The programme continues to work with trusts to ensure as they adopt the product, that they are starting to see benefits and track benefits. A team is also available to provide support to trusts who may not be achieving anticipated benefits.

The Chair asked if the FDP Programme team could bring data to support benefits realisation as part of the regular programme updates to this group. The FDP Programme delivery director agreed.

The group asked, now that we have sight of which sites have adopted the FDP, would it possible to hear from sites that have adopted the system to hear first hand the experiences they have including any challenges or barriers they may have faced. The FDP programme director agreed to bring leads from sites to share their experiences with the group but noted that the programme is working with those leads to speak directly to colleagues too. The chair asked if the programme can also arrange to hear from sites that might not be realising anticipated benefits, to achieve a balanced view. The FDP programme director agreed to this request but advised that each trust will need to give permission to be named. The group agreed that this would be a welcomed discussion.

The group asked about how the adoption profile was developed and whether the current uptake of FDP is better than expected. The FDP Programme delivery director advised that the programme is on target to achieve its adoption target by the end of the year. The programme continues to have a strong interest from trusts and integrated care boards (ICBs). A member of the group commented on firsthand experience of hearing enthusiasm about the FDP out in the system.

A brief update was given following NHS Confed Expo. It was noted that there had been some protesters which was handled swiftly at the time. It was confirmed that significant interest was generated following attendance at the workshops and the NHS FDP stand of which the FDP Demand team are currently busy in following up with interested organisations.

Any other business and close

The chair asked the group for any further business. 

The chair advised it would be helpful to understand, of the 71 sites, the number of sites realising benefits as part of ongoing programme reporting.

The chair reminded the group to complete the FDP Check and Challenge survey, with an extended deadline of 26 June.

The FDP Programme delivery director advised that the FDP head of communications and engagement will continue to support the programme, with oversight across a portfolio of programmes being provided by the lead senior communications and engagement manager. 

The next meeting is due to take place on Friday 19 July.

The chair thanked all for their attendance and closed the meeting.