The NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) is a national NHS programme designed to help NHS organisations bring together information that already exists within their systems so staff can plan and deliver care more effectively. It supports areas such as waiting list management, patient flow, discharge planning and operational decision-making.
The platform helps ensure staff have access to the information they need, when they need it, helping to reduce delays and improve the experience of patients.
How is it used at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust?
At East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, we use digital technology and data to help us deliver safe, effective and compassionate care.
The NHS Federated Data Platform helps bring together information already held within NHS systems, making it easier for appropriate staff to access relevant information and use it to support patient care and operational planning.
How is patient information protected?
Data held within the NHS Federated Data Platform remains under NHS control at all times. Access is restricted to authorised users for approved purposes only, and organisations using the platform remain responsible for how their data is used. The supplier operates under the instruction of the NHS and is not permitted to access, use or share NHS data for its own purposes.
The platform includes a range of security measures, including:
- Encryption of data when stored and transmitted
- Strict access controls
- Monitoring and audit trails
- Ongoing security testing
- Robust information governance arrangements
All data is stored and processed within the UK.
Who decides how the platform is used?
The NHS Federated Data Platform is a nationally commissioned NHS programme. Decisions regarding procurement and national contracts are made by NHS England.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is responsible for ensuring any systems it uses comply with legal, regulatory and information governance requirements and support the delivery of safe and effective patient care.
Find out more
Further information about the NHS Federated Data Platform is available on the NHS England website.
If you have any questions about how East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust uses patient information, please contact: esh-tr.infogov@nhs.net