In a significant move to enhance health service planning and delivery across Aotearoa, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has announced the integration of a transformative information system, the National Data Platform (NDP).

Leigh Donoghue, Chief Data and Digital Officer, Health NZ says that the NDP is set to revolutionise the management of health data nationwide.

"This unified and standardised system will empower our data analysts and planners, improving the quality and efficiency of services, and supporting the achievement of our Government's health objectives.”

The platform is designed to be a comprehensive data resource, driving improvements in healthcare and targeting services to meet the specific needs of communities. It ensures that data is used responsibly, advancing public health while maintaining individual privacy.

Health NZ has worked closely with the Privacy Commissioner to ensure the platform is both secure and private, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding personal information.

Developing the NDP has included critical input from Health NZ’s Hauora Māori, Privacy and Cyber Security teams. Additionally, the platform aligns with Māori data governance principles, emphasising transparency and honouring the trust placed in the system by New Zealanders.

The NDP is expected to provide valuable insights into medication demand, service gaps, and public health trends, which will inform evidence-based policy decisions. As part of the transition to a national health system, efforts are being made to standardise data collection and reporting methods, which were previously varied across District Health Boards.

The initial phase of the NDP was completed by June 30, 2024, establishing a secure environment for the management of personal medical data. Currently, a select group of Health NZ data analysts is rigorously testing the platform, with plans to expand data usage progressively.

The Medicines Data Repository (MDR) and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment (CVDRA) datasets are already operational and providing valuable insights. The ultimate goal of the NDP is to enhance health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

It is important to note that the National Data Platform is not a public database and does not store individual care records. Instead, it serves as a tool for health service planning and policymaking, ensuring that the health system is responsive and effective.