I recently wrote a letter to the Financial Times to voice a concern that has been weighing heavily on me, both as a former NHS doctor and as the CEO of Health Connect Global.

The catalyst was a memo from Ming Tang, NHS England’s data chief, urging staff to "ignore the noise" and press on with the rollout of the Palantir-led Federated Data Platform (FDP). To many in the corridors of power, this is seen as "bold leadership." To those of us on the front lines of healthcare and British innovation, it looks like a textbook example of why the system continues to fail its patients.

The Problem Isn't Data; It’s Access

The narrative we often hear is that the NHS needs a massive, external tech overhaul to handle its data. But after 20 years in the service, I can tell you: The NHS doesn’t have a data shortage.

We have a wealth of information. The problem is a knowledge-sharing crisis.

  • Accessibility: Vital patient data is often locked away, inaccessible to the doctors and nurses who need it most.
  • Usability: Even when accessible, the data isn't structured to help managers improve service delivery or help clinicians predict patient needs.

Why "Maximum Product Penetration" is the Wrong Goal

NHS England is pushing for "maximum product penetration" of a platform built by a US defence contractor, even as ministers consider break clauses and staff voice legitimate ethical concerns.

Outsourcing our data infrastructure to a global giant like Palantir might feel like "doing something," but it is a short-term fix for a systemic issue. Real change doesn't come from a box-ticking exercise or shipping data overseas. It comes from culture.

"If the NHS just ticks a box and sends our data to the US, it will never genuinely benefit from the AI revolution."

The Path Forward: Homegrown Innovation

To truly benefit from the AI revolution, we need to build a culture where:

  1. Tech is used responsibly: Privacy and ethics aren't "noise" to be ignored; they are the foundation of patient trust.
  2. Data is harnessed locally: We must empower British innovators to build solutions tailored to the unique complexities of the NHS.
  3. Predictive AI is built-in: AI should be an integrated part of patient care, not an external layer added on by a third party.

By stifling homegrown innovation in favour of massive foreign contracts, we aren't just losing money; we are losing the opportunity to build a healthcare system that is sustainable, sovereign, and truly patient-centric.

Dr. Devan Moodley, CEO, Health Connect Global

You can read the original letter as published in the Financial Times here.

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