A new paper published in the International Journal of Population Data Science sets out how the Sussex Integrated Dataset (SID) has been developed over the last 6 years, to become one of the most comprehensive linked health and care datasets in England, connecting records for 1.7 million people.
The dataset brings together data from GP practices, hospitals, mental health, ambulance services and social care – giving a full picture of how people move through the system.
Dr Liz Ford, Associate Professor at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) and Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) Data Driven Insights theme lead, is first author on the paper and said:
“Sussex is a genuinely fascinating place to study health inequalities. The joined-up picture of patients’ whole healthcare journey means we can clearly identify where people are falling through the gaps in provision and make improvements in their healthcare”.
The authors argue that the Sussex approach can serve as a blueprint for other regions, demonstrating how linked data can support smarter planning, earlier intervention and more joined-up services across the NHS.
The dataset is now available to approved researchers via the Kent, Medway and Sussex Secure Data Environment, with strict safeguards in place to protect patient anonymity.
Watch Introducing the Sussex Integrated Dataset: Using SID for your research video.
