The Connected Bradford, originated from Connected Yorkshire programme, contains linked health and other associated data from over 7 million patients, including detailed health data on 1.4 million primary care patients (the full GP patient history), and various important satellite datasets such as Yorkshire Ambulance Service data. The diagram above shows the range of data we have, this Wheel of Data links to the various sources that make this up. When an Analyst wants to request data the Expression of Interest has several “areas” these correspond to the data and the table below the wheel shows this relationship.

What we do

The richness of linked population data provides exciting opportunities to understand local health needs, identify and predict those in most need of support and evaluate health interventions.

Our databases

While in public-facing communications, we use “Connected Bradford” to refer to both datasets, researchers should note the distinction between main databases Connected Bradford is curating: Connected Yorkshire (CBRD) contains linked health and care records (excluding education) for 1.2 million service users and requires REC approval only, while Connected Bradford (HERD) additionally includes linked education records for 357,317 service users and requires both REC and CAG approval. 

Unlock the potential

Created through extensive engagement with patients and the public, and building upon the foundation established by Born in Bradford, Connected Bradford holds significant promise to unlock the power of a data driven revolution. By maintaining strong ties with our partners and the public, we are able to understand their needs and leverage the power of linked anonymised data.

A unique digital resource

The support of our partners has been fantastic and we now have a unique digital resource. The goal of this resource is to drive data-driven approaches to innovation and improvement. Connected Bradford is integrated into clinical practice so that the questions we ask reflect local priorities, and the evidence that we find shapes policy and practice. What sets Connected Bradford apart is unlocking the potential of not just de-identified clinical data but other determinants of health; social, economic, environmental, housing and crime.

A national leader

Bradford has become a national leader in harnessing the potential of routine linked data. Key elements of its success include: genuine public engagement, excellent practitioner and policy integration, robust information governance with legal and ethical approvals governance, technical expertise of data linkage and data curation and leading edge analytical support.

Connected Bradford is playing a significant role in the Yorkshire and Humber Secure Data Environment led by Bradford Teaching Hospitals for Yorkshire & Humber region. The aim of this project is to provide researchers with secure access to fully de-identified data while maintaining its security and protection. The platform is adaptable and flexible, allowing researchers to access data across different locations and the Yorkshire & Humber region. 

Check the list of projects that are either in progress or have been worked on using Connected Bradford data

For more information contact cBradford@bthft.nhs.uk