The Secure Data Environment (SDE)

NHS data goes beyond patient care – it is vital for advancing medical research and healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic offered a real-world demonstration of research's critical importance. Over one million people across the United Kingdom participated in COVID-related research, showing the power of scientists and volunteers joining forces to fight a global health challenge.

None of these advancements are possible without researchers having access to the right data. Recognising this, NHS England launched the ambitious Data Saves Lives strategy, aimed at building a safe and secure healthcare data infrastructure for research. The Secure Data Environment (SDE) stands at the forefront of this data infrastructure revolution.

SDE is a new and unified model for safe and secure access to this data for research whilst protecting patient anonymity. In an SDE, data remains within a particular digital environment and is never shared externally. This approach significantly reduces the risk of data breaches or misuse, as the data is fully de-identified before being accessed by approved researchers, and all data access and analysis can be closely monitored.

The Y&H SDEis a sub-national SDE that covers the entire region, encompassing a population of over 5 million people. It is set to speed up the process of data discovery and access for healthcare research while maintaining the highest standards of data protection and patient confidentiality. The data remains under local control and a robust information governance regime, ensuring that data providers maintain oversight of its usage. Access is strictly regulated - only approved users working on authorised projects can conduct their research within the SDE, using fully de-identified data that never leaves the secure environment. 

Healthcare innovation is a collaborative journey. Y&H SDE brings together three Integrated Care Boards (NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB, NHS South Yorkshire ICB, NHS West Yorkshire ICB), along with local universities, and a range of partners like schools, industry, and the local community. 

By collaborating with researchers, healthcare providers, academic institutions, and community members, Y&H SDE creates a holistic approach to healthcare research, where healthcare data isn't just about numbers – it's about people. 

To get more information or get involved with Y&H SDE, have a look at: https://yorkshirehumbersde.nhs.uk