I sympathise with concerns raised regarding collecting patient data and GDPR and 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 all Trusts address these issues as a matter of urgency.
Data protection and cyber security must be central to the FDP. My understanding is 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 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 168 NHS hospital trusts and 41 NHS Integrated Care Boards have signed up to the platform to date. The latest data suggests adopting the FDP across the country has led to 110,078 additional patients undergoing procedures in theatres, and 82,349 inpatient patients being safely requested for removal from the waitlist who are no longer waiting for treatment.
The proposed abolition of NHS England and restructuring of Integrated Care Boards does raise questions about the future of the FDP. I will be holding the Government to account for providing clarity about future oversight of the FDP.
It has been reported that Ministers have sought advice on triggering a break clause in Palantir’s contract with the NHS, and the Government must provide clarity on this issue as soon as possible.
The Federated Data Platform is due to be debated in Parliament on Thursday 16 April, which will provide an opportunity for MPs to challenge the Government on issues that you and other constituents have raised.
You can also read more on the handling of NHS data here: https://digital.nhs.uk/data
