Thank you for contacting me about the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) being operated by Palantir.
I note your concerns about the delivery of the FDP by Palantir, and its adoption by NHS Trusts across England.
It has been concerning to read reports that almost one third of NHS Trusts using the platform are not meeting minimum data standards. NHS England must take steps to ensure that Trusts address these issues as a matter of urgency.
Data protection and cyber security must be central to the FDP. My understanding is that only authorised users are granted access to data for approved purposes, such as NHS staff, those supporting them like administrators or bed managers, as well as social care staff supporting patients to move from hospital care.
In addition, the provider of the software should not hold or have access to NHS data for their own purposes, other than as directed by NHS. The Government has provided assurance that personal data stored in the FDP and its associated services cannot be accessed by Palantir's own personnel or contractors from outside the UK.
This means that all data must be held within the UK and is subject to UK data protection law, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation.
NHS England is not mandating the use of the FDP, but 161 NHS hospital trusts and 41 NHS Integrated Care Boards have signed up to the platform to date. The latest data suggests that adopting the FDP across the country has led to 99,690 additional patients undergoing procedures in theatres, and 79,321 inpatient patients being safely requested for removal from the waitlist.
The proposed abolition of NHS England and restructuring of Integrated Care Boards does raise questions about the future of the FDP.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
