Big Data Matters: How collaboration is unlocking the power of data in Welsh health and care

This was the first hybrid event co-hosted by the National Data Resource (NDR) team, Life Sciences Hub Wales, and the first event in collaboration with Wales Modelling Collaborative (WMC). The atmosphere, both in the room and online, reflected the growing appetite for shared insight, innovation, and impact. 

What was heard

Community services need better digital tools 
Vicki from the Strategic Programme for Primary Care highlighted that district nursing and enhanced community care services are often missing from national datasets. Manual records and disconnected systems are a barrier to effective planning. The NDR is helping drive improvements in data standards and interoperability to support more joined-up care.

Hackathons turn ideas into action 
Jenny and Alex from WMC showcased how their collaborative events bring analysts, clinicians, and decision-makers together to tackle real problems using live data. Supported by the NDR’s secure cloud platform, these sessions are helping build solutions that have a practical impact –  from end-of-life care to diabetes service planning.

Audience polls showed strong alignment

What’s the biggest benefit of sharing data? 

Attendees said:

• Better patient care
• More informed decision-making
• A single source of truth
• Stronger knowledge sharing

Do Powys’ challenges resonate with you? 

The overwhelming response was yes – confirming that the difficulties faced by Powys are felt across the system. These included:

• The need to shift data culture, so data is valued and used at all levels
• Difficulty recruiting to specialist data and digital roles
• Balancing business-as-usual pressures with the need for continuous improvement and innovation

Why Big Data Matters

Data isn’t just about tech, it’s about people. By connecting information across services, we can identify trends, reduce duplication, and deliver more proactive, personalised care.

This event showcased how data is already being used to:

• Reduce emergency admissions
• Model demand on primary care
• Build dashboards that inform decisions at all levels

Key takeaways

• Community data must be part of the picture 
  Without consistent, digital data, the true value of services like district nursing remains hidden. Work is underway to change that.
• Collaboration drives change 
  The WMC is proving that with the right mix of people, from data scientists to frontline staff, big ideas can become real solutions.
• The NDR is enabling smarter decisions 
  Whether through predictive models, dashboards, or national data standards, the NDR is creating tools that support safer, more efficient care.
• Culture matters as much as infrastructure 
  Throughout the event, speakers stressed that progress depends on people working together, across disciplines, organisations, and sectors.

What’s next?

Progress is being made, but there’s still work to do. Continued investment in skills, systems, and collaboration will be essential to make data more accessible, more meaningful, and more impactful across Wales.

Thanks to everyone who took part and contributed their insights. Together, we’re showing that when we treat data as a shared asset, we can drive real change – for services and for the people who rely on them.

If you’d like to find out more about the Big Data events, please contact NDR.comms@wales.nhs.uk.