Data users of the Secure Data Environment

About the North East and North Cumbria Secure Data Environment 

 

The North East and North Cumbria Secure Data Environment is currently under development, with a technical platform already in place. The governance structure that will support the programme is being developed and is expected to be operational in early 2025.  

 

We are also developing our data request and enquiry processes and will be moving towards a more structured approach in the future. Several test projects are currently using the Secure Data Environment platform to access and use data. Until the regional governance is fully established, data requests and approvals are managed on a case-by-case basis.  

Available Data

The SDE provide access to a growing range of curated datasets, with more becoming available as new data sharing agreements are established:

  • Primary care
  • Secondary care
  • Prescribing
  • Diagnostics
  • Community
  • Mental health
  • Mortality
  • Maternity

In addition, the SDE offer:

  • Bring Your Own Data (publicly available or reference data)
  • Pseudo‑at‑source capability to flow provider data
  • Requests for unpublished, bespoke datasets

A full list of available datasets is published on the HDR UK Health Data Gateway.

The SDE SDE provides:

  • Secure Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) on a cloud‑based platform
  • Ability to work with bring‑your‑own, synthetic, or unpublished datasets on request
  • Python and R statistical languages plus additional tools
  • Bespoke consultancy services to support your project

  • Security and trust: Data never leaves the secure environment
  • Population focus: Access data from across the North East & North Cumbria region, with opportunities to link datasets for richer insights
  • High‑quality research: Conduct studies in a safe, governed setting designed to uphold the highest standards of data use and patient privacy
  • Powerful tools: Make use of a secure virtual desktop with statistical software such as Python and R, alongside other analysis tools, to support advanced research

  • Finding existing data and evidence
  • Data access
  • Connecting and sharing expertise

To access NHS data via the Secure Data Environment (SDE) Network, individuals and organisations must first complete a validation check: you fill in an online form, which is assessed against the SDE Network’s criteria (e.g., data security standards, how you’ll use NHS data). NHS England Digital

Once validated, you’re eligible to apply for access to data through one or more SDEs - but validation doesn’t guarantee access to any specific dataset.

Find out more: NHS England Digital

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Data services
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Platform services
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Consultancy services
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Test projects
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Case study: AI Multiply
Contact Details  

For projects interested in using the North East and North Cumbria Secure Data Environment, email the team at: nencicb.sde@nhs.net to discuss costs and feasibility.