NHS Digital is joining the Open Data Institute (ODI) Leeds as a sponsor to form a collaboration seeking to pursue innovation through data.
The partnership between NHS Digital and ODI Leeds is being announced during ODI Leeds' Showcase event at Leeds Digital Festival today (Monday 16 April).
Both NHS Digital and ODI Leeds are participating in Leeds Digital Festival over the next fortnight to promote the use of open data as being crucial in improving services and accelerating research for the benefit of patients. The health and wellbeing strand of the Festival is a celebration of the diverse and innovative work taking place to progress that vision.
ODI Leeds will help NHS Digital connect with key people throughout the city through a programme of open sessions and workshops. This will build on NHS Digital's networked approach as they are already in partnership with the Association of Medical Research Charities and Health Data Research UK.
The aim is also to increase the use of and engagement with open data by a wider community.
Tom Denwood, Executive Director of Data, Insights and Statistics, said: "NHS Digital is a major producer of open data, and we look forward to the opportunities our sponsorship of ODI Leeds will bring. We want to ensure we are leveraging and innovating with open data and support local companies and organisations who want to use the data, nurturing innovation as a result.
"It is really important that we create and maintain great partnerships in Leeds which is committed to being the best place in the UK for digital innovation and creativity."
Paul Connell, founder of ODI Leeds and Head of Innovation, said: "ODI Leeds was set up with the express aim of exploring open data and open innovation at city scale, working to improve lives, help people, and create value."
ENDS
Notes to editors
NHS Digital is the national information and technology provider for the health and care system. Our team of information analysis, technology and project management experts create, deliver and manage the crucial digital systems, services, products and standards upon which health and care professionals and citizens depend. During the 2017/18 financial year, NHS Digital published 275 statistical reports. Our vision is to harness the power of information and technology to make health and care better. The Health and Social Care Information Centre is a non-departmental body created by statute, also known as NHS Digital. We provide 'Information and Technology for better health and care'. Find out more about our role and remit at www.digital.nhs.uk
