Ground breaking health data partnership formed with NHS

This initiative marks a significant step forward in public health management, utilising LDC’s innovative Social Progress Index (SPI). The SPI, developed with Impera Analytics, integrates various local data sources including information about homelessness, education, and crime statistics to assess the quality of life at a local ward level. Now, with the addition of NHS health data, LDC can further refine its understanding of residents' needs, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.

Simon Fletcher, Chief Executive of Lichfield District Council, highlighted the council's commitment to innovation: He said:

“Over the past two years, we have been at the forefront of using data and digital services to understand and meet the needs of our community efficiently. By integrating NHS data into our SPI, we are setting a new benchmark for informed, targeted local governance.” 

The Leader of Lichfield District Council, Doug Pullen, added:

“This exciting use of NHS health data will complement the resources we have been using to make decisions for the benefit of people across the district.

“Our dynamic approach to collating and sharing high quality data in the council and beyond helps us understand what our residents really need depending on where they specifically live.”  

The collaboration is poised to expand across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, with the SST ICB planning to apply the SPI model to all 167 wards in the region. Lichfield District is one of the eight districts in the county of Staffordshire, and alongside Stoke-on-Trent is supported by the local Integrated Care Board. ICBs co-ordinate and plan healthcare services efficiently, address changing health needs, increase longevity, and reduce health inequalities.

Dr Lorna Clarson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board said:

“We’ve been impressed by LDC’s approach to population health management using the Social Progress Index model. The approach used to share data across both multiple departments as well as across the county illustrates a genuine desire to plan public services in an integrated fashion.

The ICB will further this approach regionally and will expand this tool to cover all 167 wards across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Critically we will also share population health outcome information to our local government partners, so collectively we can take a social determinants and prevention approach to healthcare.” 

LDC’s pioneering use of data analytics has already supported impactful initiatives such as the “Together We” District 2050 plan, which includes significant investments like the new leisure centre to boost health and wellness. The integration of anonymised health data is expected to deepen and expand these efforts, creating a model for others to follow.

Pye Nyunt, Chief Executive of Impera Analytics, stated:

“I am excited to build this collaborative information and research infrastructure across this regional public health system. Understanding the changing needs of people and place is essential to supporting those in most need.

“Across the region we know that socio-economic factors are a determining factor of health, and whilst healthcare is serviced by our wonderful NHS, bringing together information sources across the county enables not only policy makers, but also the community itself to find solutions to health inequality and improving wellness. Information itself is a health determinant.

“This partnership not only sets a new standard for public health management but also empowers our community to address health inequalities effectively.”

This innovative partnership reflects Lichfield District Council’s role as a leader in using strategic data to enhance community life, demonstrating a proactive approach to improving residents’ health and well-being through technology and collaboration.

For additional information please visit the council's Social Progress Index webpage.