The CWY databases comprise information from linked health and other associated data. This includes detailed health records for 1.4 million primary care patients, as well as several crucial satellite datasets, such as those from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Social Services, Education, and Mental Health. By combining these datasets, researchers can conduct meaningful investigations into health-related conditions and their underlying causes, with the goal of enhancing understanding and care for the citizens of Bradford and surrounding regions.  

What we do 

The richness of linked population data provides exciting opportunities to understand local health needs, identify and predict those in most need of support and evaluate health interventions. 

Our databases 

While in public-facing communications, we use “Connected West Yorkshire” to refer to both datasets, researchers should note the distinction between main databases : Connected Yorkshire  contains linked health and care records (excluding education) for 1.2 million service users and requires REC approval only, while Connected Bradford  additionally includes linked education records for 357,317 service users and requires both REC and CAG approval.  

Unlock the potential 

Created through extensive engagement with patients and the public, and building upon the foundation established by Born in Bradford, Connected West Yorkshire holds significant promise to unlock the power of a data driven revolution. By maintaining strong ties with our partners and the public, we are able to understand their needs and leverage the power of linked anonymised data.

A unique digital resource 

 The aim of CWY programme is is to drive data-driven approaches to innovation and improvement. CWY is integrated into clinical practice so that the questions we ask reflect local priorities, and the evidence that we find shapes policy and practice.  Commitment from our partners in healthcare, local councils, and academic collaborators has ensured that we develop and maintain a comprehensive resource. All data is de-identified which data involves removing or disguising your personal information so that it is difficult to single you out of the dataset 

 What sets CWY apart is its ability to unlock the potential not only of  clinical data, but also of wider determinants of health — including social, economic, environmental, housing, and crime-related factors.  

Principles for Supporting Research

Connected West Yorkshire supports research that aligns with its governance framework and demonstrates a clear public benefit. Applications are assessed on their own merits against the following three principles:

1. Public Benefit

Research should address important health, care, social, education or wider public policy questions and have the potential to improve health, reduce inequalities, inform policy or services, or advance knowledge for public benefit.

2. Data Governance

Research must meet all legal, ethical and information governance requirements and protect the privacy and confidentiality of patient and citizen data. Only the minimum data necessary to answer the research question should be used, and the use of linked data must be appropriate and proportionate.

3. Scientific Endeavour

Research should have clear research questions, scientific merit and a robust methodology. Projects must be feasible within the available data, infrastructure and resources, with a clear rationale for the proposed use of Connected West Yorkshire   data.

All projects will be assessed by a lay panel, and applications may be rejected if lay summary and project descriptions are not clear.  Where appropriate, research should include meaningful Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE).”

A national leader 

Bradford has become a national leader in harnessing the potential of routine linked data. Key elements of its success include: genuine public engagement, excellent practitioner and policy integration, robust information governance with legal and ethical approvals governance, technical expertise of data linkage and data curation and leading edge analytical support. 

Check the list of projects that are either in progress or underway using Connected West Yorkshire data 

Connected West Yorkshire is playing a significant role in the Yorkshire and Humber Secure Data Environment led by Bradford Teaching Hospitals for Yorkshire & Humber region. The aim of this project is to provide researchers with secure access to fully de-identified data while maintaining its security and protection. The platform is adaptable and flexible, allowing researchers to access data across different locations and the Yorkshire & Humber region. 

For more information contact cWestYorkshire@bthft.nhs.uk