The East of England Secure Data Environment makes it easier and safer to access and analyse sensitive patient data for research. Securely, ethically and efficiently.
The East of England Secure Data Environment (SDE) is an NHS-hosted platform providing secure, controlled access to de-identified patient data for approved health research. Developed by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Health Innovation East and Cambridge University Health Partners, the SDE is part of a national network of regional NHS secure data environments across England.
The platform offers cloud-based workspaces equipped with open-source analytics tools, enabling researchers to access NHS patient datasets that are otherwise unavailable. It supports studies across the full lifecycle from drug discovery to clinical trials and health systems research. The SDE team provides end-to-end support for data projects, including
cohort discovery, and automated data harmonisation and linkage, all within a highly secure environment built that meet strict NHS governance and security standards.
Central to the SDE is its commitment to patient and public involvement. Input from public advisory groups, regional workshops, and surveys has shaped the platform’s design and governance processes. Public representatives are members of the Data Access Committee, ensuring research proposals align with public values and patient benefits.
Already enabling impactful research—such as studies improving heart failure care—the SDE also supports responsible AI development using sensitive health data. Aligned to the Five Safes framework and certified to ISO27001 standards, the platform is enabling secure, ethical, and innovative health data research that drives better outcomes for patients across the East of England.
Get in touch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558544760190
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastofengland.sde/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eastofenglandsde.bsky.social
