ABPI response to the government's commitment to boost research by improving access to NHS data

Government Ministers have said they want to boost medical research by making it easier for companies to access NHS data.

Responding to the commitment, Janet Valentine, Executive Director, Innovation and Research Policy said: "Access to anonymised health data is vital for the development of new effective medicines and treatments which improve patients’ lives. Recent proposals have opened up discussions of possible models that can accelerate the progress of research.

“Any new proposed model of data access must be feasible to deliver, tackle the main barriers to accessing data and crucially, have the support of patients, the public and healthcare professionals.

“The ABPI is leading a dialogue with system partners to define the requirements of a functional health data research service that both safeguards patient confidentiality and truly realise the benefits of patient data to improve health outcomes, stimulate inward investment and return funding back into the NHS.”