The UK government is considering whether to terminate a deal worth over $400 million between the National Health Service (NHS) and American software company Palantir. The decision has sparked debate across the country, with one area, Greater Manchester, refusing to adopt the technology.

In 2023, the NHS commissioned Palantir to develop a federated data platform (FDP), aiming to improve patient care by centralizing and organizing health data. Critics argue that while Palantir’s FDP is cutting edge, local trust and functionality are paramount. Matt Hennessey from NHS Greater Manchester contends: ‘Even a technically strong platform will struggle if clinicians or the public don’t trust it.’

Greater Manchester’s homegrown Analytics and Data Science Platform (ADSP) has managed to maintain local support and functionality, despite pressure from the national unit of the NHS. The ICB claims that their ADSP is not only more technically advanced but also better trusted by the public, making data sharing both easier and more secure.

While 139 trusts are using Palantir’s technology, Greater Manchester remains resolute in its rejection. This unique stance could either set a precedent for local solutions or prove an anomaly in a landscape increasingly dominated by US tech giants. The decision next February to terminate the NHS contract early will undoubtedly shape future healthcare IT strategies.