The Gateway is like a search-engine or ‘portal’ that helps researchers and innovators find out about UK health datasets. It provides descriptions of health datasets. If a researcher finds a dataset that they think could be useful to their research, they can request access to view and use the information in that dataset for their work. This is a rigorous process by which their application is reviewed, and access will be granted or refused by the person or organisation responsible for the safety and security of the dataset.

No, the Gateway does not hold or store any health data, but your health data may be included inside a dataset. The Gateway only contains descriptions of UK health datasets. Researcher can read these descriptions and then request access to the datasets. If they are granted access, they would use the health dataset through a Data Custodian’s Safe Haven or Trusted Research Environment (TRE). Only data that is deemed not to be sensitive can be used outside of a TRE. Any health data held within a dataset does not show an individual’s health information (it is de-identified). There are various safeguards in place to reduce the risk of data being re-identified. To learn more about identifiability, please see this Understanding Patient Data guide.

No one can see health data on the Gateway, but everyone can see the descriptions of health datasets on the Gateway. Only researchers or innovators with a registered account on the Gateway can request access to view the full information that is contained within a dataset. The data custodian responsible for the safe use of this dataset would make the final decision on whether to allow the researcher access to it.