A data system which has helped researchers looking at kidney disease, fertility and care planning among many other areas has been given an international seal of approval.
The Grampian Data Safe Haven (DaSH) is a joint facility between NHS Grampian and the University of Aberdeen. DaSH provides safe processing, linkage and anonymisation of electronic health data with secure access for trained researchers and approved research projects.
DaSH ensures the highest levels of data security are adhered to and gaining the ISO 27001 certification, along with Scottish Government Accreditation, demonstrates commitment to information security management.
With more than six years of experience in supporting research, DaSH has helped researchers predict outcomes from kidney disease and, contributing internationally, redefine how care is planned; plan fertility care more accurately; understand the impact of early-life and education on physical, brain and mental health as people age.
DaSH is leading innovation in secure data management methods and is a central partner in the new £15M UK Research and Innovation funded Scottish Industrial Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research in Digital Diagnostics.
Professor Corri Black, DaSH Clinical Lead, said: “Aberdeen has been at the forefront of health data science to improve health and care. Working in partnership with NHS Grampian to learn from health care data is a huge and important privilege. We take the security of the information extremely seriously and we are very proud that ISO certification is external recognition of the standards to which we work. The work that researchers undertake within DaSH has significant benefits for the health of people in Grampian, Scotland and Internationally.”
Brian Henderson, The Director of Digital and Information Services at the University of Aberdeen, added: “This is a well-deserved accreditation that highlights the professionalism of University and NHS staff in securely facilitating ground breaking research for local, national and international benefit. The team should be very proud of this achievement.”
Jillian Evans, Head of Health Intelligence at NHS Grampian said: “The NHS and our local public sector partners are committed to research and DaSH provides a fundamental part of the infrastructure to make that happen”.
Katie Wilde, Technical Lead for DaSH added: "This certification shows the continued commitment of both the DaSH Operation team and DIS colleagues, in ensuring we have a secure and growing platform allowing us to support Researchers, whether internal or external, through their research projects.