Harnessing the power of data in the NHS

The potential of data in the NHS to transform how care is delivered has been well-documented. It enables the delivery of more precise and personalised care and can provide actionable insights to clinicians. But steps need to be taken so that the NHS can actually harness the power of data effectively and realise these benefits at scale. Effective engagement and communication with stakeholders is crucial. This includes not only the NHS workforce who will be using the data but, most importantly, the public. People have concerns around how the NHS can protect and keep data private and secure. Having effective governance structures in place and making sure that these translate into practice on the ground, would go some way to assuage concerns. Using available privacy-enhancing technologies to create systems that can deliver what the NHS promises in terms of effective harnessing of data will be crucial to maintain both the trustworthiness of the system and people’s trust in it. Having these elements in place will enable the NHS to use the data it has to improve care for all.

Reform was delighted to host this high-level panel which brought together policy-makers, practitioners, business leaders and other experts.

Keynote speaker: Sarah Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, NHS Digital.

Panelists:

• Dr Natalie Banner, Understanding Patient Data Lead, Wellcome Trust
• Guy Cohen, Policy and Strategy Lead, Privitar
• Richard Erwin, General Manager, Roche
• Chair: Eleonora Harwich, Director of Research and Head of Tech Innovation, Reform

This event was kindly supported by Roche: