The Future of NHS Data Infrastructure – Strategies for Integration, Security, and Intelligent Patient Care

The closing keynote at HETT North brought together leading voices in healthcare technology to discuss one of the most fundamental yet complex aspects of NHS digital transformation: data infrastructure. The session, chaired by Avi Mehra, Associate Partner & CSO at IBM, featured a panel of experts who are actively shaping the future of NHS data: 

• Gareth Thomas, Digital Innovation Director at Health Innovation Manchester
• John Farenden, Independent Consultant at Red Kite Health Consulting
• Lisa Fox, Deputy Director of Data & Insights at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 

Together, they explored the opportunities and challenges in creating a modern, secure, and integrated data system that can enhance patient care while maintaining public trust. 

The Current Landscape: Challenges in NHS Data Infrastructure 

The NHS has long recognised the importance of data-driven decision-making to improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and support research and innovation. However, fragmented systems, inconsistent data-sharing protocols, and a lack of unified strategy have hindered progress. 

Despite numerous reports, frameworks, and strategies over the years, a cohesive, nationwide data infrastructure remains elusive. While some regions have made great strides in shared care records and secure data environments, others continue to struggle with outdated systems and siloed information. 

Avi Mehra opened the discussion by highlighting this challenge: 

"We all know that data is the backbone of a modern, intelligent health system, but in the NHS, turning that data into actionable insights, seamless patient care, and AI-driven efficiencies continues to remain a big challenge." 

John Farenden, drawing on decades of experience in health informatics, reflected on why NHS data infrastructure remains inconsistent despite numerous initiatives. 

He pointed out that while efforts like Target Architecture and Open Health and Data Architecture have laid strong foundations, they have struggled to gain traction at a national level. 

"I think we really have to ask ourselves why is it proving so difficult? And I think it’s because we don’t necessarily have a consistent view. We don’t come out and say, ‘this is where we’re going’ and follow that. We need the courage to make some decisions." 

Building Public Trust to Overcome Concerns About Security and Data Use 

Public trust is a critical factor in the success of any health data initiative. Many people assume that their medical records are already seamlessly connected across NHS services, yet this is often not the case. 

Lisa Fox emphasised that trust and security remain major concerns in NHS data sharing: 

"People don’t necessarily just trust data; they trust the people that have got the data and that they’re giving to them." 

One of the biggest challenges is the disconnect between public expectation and reality. "The public assumes we already know how to join up data," Fox explained, highlighting how inconsistent data-sharing leads to frustration when patients must repeatedly provide the same information across different NHS services.

The NHS also faces a trust deficit when it comes to handling patient data. Fox noted that even successful national programs like the NHS App can erode trust when patients encounter incomplete or inconsistent records: 

"If they, the NHS, that big brand, can’t even get this right with my data, how on earth should I trust them with all of the other stuff?" 

Gareth Thomas provided an example of how Greater Manchester’s Secure Data Environment is actively addressing these trust concerns. Through citizen advisory panels and clear governance frameworks, they ensure that data use is transparent and ethical: 

"Anything that goes through the secure data environment is scoped, checked, and validated by the citizens advisory panel, both at the initial assessment phase and at the formal sign-off." 

Shared Care Records: A Model for Integrated Healthcare

One of the biggest steps toward seamless, intelligent patient care has been the adoption of Shared Care Records. These allow clinicians to access key patient information, such as medical history, medications, and allergies, regardless of where care is being provided.

Greater Manchester’s Shared Care Record is a prime example of what’s possible when data infrastructure is done right. The system is now accessed by thousands of clinicians each month, improving patient safety and reducing inefficiencies. 

Thomas shared key statistics on its impact: 

"We know from our stats that this is accessed probably 300,000 times for 300,000 patients by around 24,000 different clinicians every month." 

He described how having instant access to a patient’s medical history, medications, and allergies is "game-changing" for clinicians, particularly in emergency care. 

The Role of the Federated Data Platform (FDP) in NHS Data Strategy 

A key topic of discussion was the Federated Data Platform (FDP), a national initiative designed to streamline NHS data sharing. The FDP aims to provide a common infrastructure for accessing and analysing health data across multiple organisations. 

While the concept is promising, its implementation raises questions about integration with existing systems. Lisa Fox provided an analogy, comparing the FDP to providing "a plug-in radiator": a temporary fix for data-poor organisations but potentially redundant for those already equipped with advanced infrastructure. 

She warned against assuming the FDP alone would solve NHS data challenges: 

"It’s like handing everybody a plug-in radiator. If you’ve got a really drafty shed, you’re going to be really, really welcoming of that… But if you’ve already got an all-singing, all-dancing system, do you really need that radiator?" 

A key concern is ensuring the FDP complements rather than replaces existing progress. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the panel emphasised the importance of tailoring data strategies to the specific needs and capabilities of different NHS regions. 

The Path Forward: Leadership, Strategy, and Execution 

The panelists agreed that technology alone will not solve the NHS’s data challenges. Success requires: 

1. Strong Leadership – Clear national and regional leadership is needed to drive standardisation and best practices while allowing flexibility for local innovation. 
2. A Unified Strategy – The NHS must decide on a long-term direction for data architecture and stick to it, rather than oscillating between different models. 
3. Public Engagement – Ongoing communication and transparency with the public will help build trust and ensure ethical data use. 
4. Investment in Skills & Infrastructure – Many NHS organisations lack the resources or expertise to fully implement modern data systems. Funding must be allocated not just for technology but also for training and long-term maintenance. 

A Data-Driven NHS for the Future 

The NHS is at a crucial turning point in its digital journey. While significant progress has been made in data sharing, security, and integration, challenges remain in achieving a truly unified, intelligent NHS data system. 

As the Federated Data Platform rolls out and shared care records expand, the NHS must ensure that data infrastructure empowers clinicians, improves patient care, and maintains public trust. Clear leadership, a strategic roadmap, and continued investment will be key to making this vision a reality. 

The future of NHS data is not just about technology, it’s about strategy, governance, and execution. If these elements align, the NHS can fully harness the power of data to deliver more efficient, personalised, and intelligent patient care. 

Join us at our upcoming event, HETT Show on 7-8th October at ExCeL London to be part of the conversation. Register your interest below.