Secure environment for de-identified patient data accelerates move from research to impact

The story so far report of the Kent, Medway and Sussex Secure Data Environment (KMS SDE) has proven the new platform’s potential to fast track health research into real-world impact.

From data to outcomes

The report outlined progress in transforming how the NHS and its partners use de-identified data to improve lives. Highlights of the 25 research projects started in the last two years include:

1. Tailored Electronic Product Information (ePI) with Pfizer:
   A personalised digital alternative to traditional medicine leaflets, using real de-identified NHS data to improve patient understanding, safety, and adherence.
2. Tackling health inequalities in coastal communities:
   By linking NHS and local authority data, this initiative is identifying chronic illness hotspots and enabled targeted interventions to address long-standing health disparities in coastal areas.
3. AI for early cancer diagnosis:
   Led by Imperial College London, this project is using the KMS SDE to test AI models on real-world GP data, to support earlier cancer detection and improve clinical decision-making in primary care.

‘Data rich but insights poor’

The Kent, Medway and Sussex Secure Data Environment was formed to solve the problem of the NHS being ‘data rich but insights poor’, by providing a secure, privacy-respecting platform for research and innovation.

Designed to overcome longstanding challenges of fragmented data and limited access, the SDE enables approved researchers to analyse linked, de-identified data in a controlled environment.

It responds directly to the findings of The Sudlow review, which called for more secure, streamlined and trustworthy ways to enable access to health data for research and analysis across the NHS.

It benefits a wide range of groups: patients gain from improved care and targeted interventions; researchers access high-quality, real-world data to accelerate discovery; clinicians and health systems use insights to plan and deliver better services; and industry partners can ethically test innovations that improve outcomes

Catherine Dampney, Kent, Medway and Sussex Secure Data Environment Programme Director –

“As a trusted delivery partner, Health Innovation KSS supported the set-up, launch and delivery of the KMS SDE by helping shape its early vision and strengthening partnerships across industry and driving our patient and public engagement. It also led on authoring the end-of-year report, facilitating engagement across the system and surfacing insights from stakeholders to tell a collective story of progress and potential.”

Governance to build trust

At the heart of the KMS Secure Data Environment is a robust governance framework designed to uphold privacy and earn public trust. It adheres to the nationally recognised Five Safes framework, to ensure only approved researchers can access de-identified data for ethically reviewed projects that serve the public good.

Every stage – from researcher validation to data access and output review – is tightly controlled, with oversight from dedicated governance bodies including a Public and Patient Advisory Group. This transparent and inclusive approach not only protects individual privacy but also fosters confidence that health data is being used responsibly and for meaningful impact.

Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex Chief Commercial Officer Chris Hill –

“Secure Data Environments are a vital part of the future of health and care. They provide a trusted foundation for innovation, enabling the NHS, academia and industry to use data responsibly to tackle inequalities, improve patient outcomes and translate insight into impact.

“Our work with Kent, Medway and Sussex SDE positions us as a go-to partner in creating a joined-up data strategy across our region to create better outcomes for patients, NHS systems and UK innovators.”

Accelerating responsible access to data

Next year, Health Innovation KSS will continue to support the Secure Data Environment as it focuses on accelerating data access, expanding research delivery, and enhancing its technical infrastructure.

Key priorities include streamlining the approval process, developing advanced tools such as semantic layers and metadata systems, and enabling integrated insights across health and care domains.

The SDE also aims to deepen collaboration with national networks and life sciences partners, contributing to a new Health Data Research Service and positioning the region as a leader in ethical, data-driven innovation.