Data Uses Register launched to showcase transparency

NHS Digital is improving transparency about how patient data is accessed by launching its new Data Uses Register.

Although the organisation already publishes details of all the data it releases, NHS Digital says that the new interactive tool will make it easier to see which organisations access data, the purposes for which they are permitted to use it and the expected benefits.

Organisations using the data may be public sector bodies, charities or commercial organisations. They must all have a legal basis and legitimate need to use the data, which will only be used for health and care planning and research purposes.

The release register shows the data that NHS Digital has provided, both as part of the response to the pandemic as well as the many other uses of patient data that support health and social care. This includes developing insights to design new NHS services for patients, improving the performance, effectiveness or efficiency of existing services, supporting NHS organisations by creating new tools and products to improve care, creating new treatments and supporting the NHS and local authorities in planning services.

Simon Bolton, interim CEO of NHS Digital, said: "The new Data Uses Register is an important improvement to make our data sharing agreements more transparent and user-friendly. We take our responsibility as the guardian of NHS data very seriously and we are committed to being transparent so that people can see exactly who their data has been shared with and why. It is important that the public can see openly and clearly how NHS data is shared to build confidence and trust and this new tool will help to ensure that."