Hackney residents and a local coalition have voiced significant concerns over data privacy as Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust progresses with its digital strategy, which includes the potential use of the Federated Data Platform (FDP) developed by Palantir Technology.
During a meeting of the Adults Health and Integration Scrutiny Commission on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, representatives from the Hackney Coalition Against Palantir, George Burnett and Pauline Moon, expressed reservations about the FDP. They cited Palantir's ethical track record, including its involvement with immigration enforcement and military operations. The coalition warned of a potential erosion of public trust and the risk that migrants might avoid seeking healthcare due to data-sharing concerns. Pauline Moon stated, Consequently, some people may avoid seeking the necessary health care. And, the thing is that we actually do know, it's been proven, that people's concerns about data do impact on health care uptake. So, for example, the COVID-19 inquiry found that NHS data sharing with the Home Office led directly to lower-than-average vaccine uptake in some migrant communities.
Tom Nettle, Deputy Chief Executive of Homerton Healthcare, responded by emphasizing that patient confidentiality is fundamental to the care that we provide. And we have robust local processes in place to protect patient information and we'll continue to ensure those are in place. When it comes to trust and confidence, we don't want anyone, particularly our most vulnerable patients, to feel worried about coming forward and receiving care here at Homerton Healthcare and across our services in the city of Hackney. So, that's why, and I think this is where I would more precisely answer your question, Chair. That's why our Neighbourhood Health Programme and our wider work with local communities, that's why that is so important to us.
However, no specific measures directly addressing migrants' concerns about data sharing with the FDP were detailed.
Councillor questions during the meeting focused on the Trust's procurement processes and the use of open standards in its electronic patient record system. Tom Nettle, Deputy Chief Executive of Homerton Healthcare, explained that procurement is governed by law and NHS requirements, with social value being a consideration. Councillor Jazz asked if the Trust had considered incorporating clauses on ethical business practices into its own procurement of software?
Tom Nettle responded, Our procurement processes are set by both law and NHS requirements and an element of that has social value. I'm not aware that there are any specific elements around ethical requirements. I'm not clear whether that's something that we can introduce ourselves. I'm very happy to look into that and liaise with Jarlath to give you a more detailed response.
This indicates that while social value is a consideration, specific ethical clauses were not explicitly mentioned as being part of their current procurement processes.
The commission also heard that the national contract for the FDP with Palantir has a break clause. George Burnett, from the Hackney Coalition Against Palantir, stated that the notice period as we understand it is only three months, and it would have to actually be a decision taken by the government through the Department of Health and Social Care, and of course the relevant Secretary of State is now Yvette Cooper, by the 3rd of December this year.
He also noted that government ministers are giving serious consideration to exercising the break clause.
The meeting also mentioned that the break clause notice period had reportedly passed, with concerns that the NHS might be delaying a decision.
An assessment conducted by the National Infrastructure Service Transformation Authority published this summer concluded there was a growing gap between the cost of the Federated Data Platform, now estimated at some £1.1 billion, and the projected benefits from the platform estimated at around £808 million, resulting in a gap of £292 million. This information pertains to the national FDP contract, not specifically for Homerton Healthcare.
Homerton Healthcare's digital strategy aims to improve integrated care, deliver better value, and foster innovation. The Trust has stated that they have no current plans to fully utilise the Federated Data Platform (FDP)
. Their focus is on enhancing their electronic patient record system. Tom Nettle clarified that the Trust's focus is on improving how we use our electronic patient record and how we make sure that the ability to access our services is as effective and as straightforward as possible for those that want to use digital systems using electronic patient letters and for those that might want paper letters.
This approach aims to make care feel more human, not less
by giving clinicians more time with patients. They are also piloting ambient voice technology
to assist clinicians with note-taking during patient consultations, with patient consent. Tom Nettle further emphasized that their digital plan is around making digital something that makes care feel more human, not less, that it gives our clinicians ultimately more time to be with patients and care for them than they otherwise would have had.
He also noted that they rely on external partners for complex systems like electronic patient records due to the significant investment and expertise required.
The Trust emphasized its commitment to patient safety and data security throughout its digital transformation efforts. The full public reports pack for the meeting can be found here.
