Terence EdenMay 1

🆕 blog! “NHS Goes To War Against Open Source”

The NHS is preparing to close nearly all of its Open Source repositories.

Throughout my time working for the UK Government - in GDS, NHSX, i.AI, and others - I championed Open Source. I spoke to dozens of departments about it, wrote guidance still in use today, and briefed Ministers on why it was so…

👀 Read more: https://shkspr.mobi/blog/2026/05/nhs-goes-to-war-against-open-source/
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#government #nhs #OpenSource #politics

NHS Goes To War Against Open Source

The NHS is preparing to close nearly all of its Open Source repositories. Throughout my time working for the UK Government - in GDS, NHSX, i.AI, and others - I championed Open Source. I spoke to dozens of departments about it, wrote guidance still in use today, and briefed Ministers on why it was so important. That's why I'm beyond disappointed at recent moves from NHS England to backtrack on…

Terence Eden’s Blog
Show threadTerence Eden4d ago

Here's the response to my #FoI request
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/information_relating_to_guidance_2?nocache=incoming-3429727#incoming-3429727

There are no minutes of any meeting where this new anti-open-source guidance was discussed. Lends credence to the suggestion that a non-technical manager made this up on the hoof.

All other requests denied on security grounds.
#NHS #OpenSource

Show threadGreg

@Edent
I'd love it if there was a way to open-source our (patients) data input into the proprietary chain, so that any products passing that data would be obliged to open source. I know it's pie in the sky, but one can dream.

I do wonder which lobby group got to them. I'm very much in favour of legally mandated full disclosure, recording & minuting of ANY lobby meeting with any public body or their representatives. Transgressions punishable by DEATH (or maybe an occasionally enforced long prison term)

May 28 at 11:37amWeb
Show threadTerence Eden3d ago

@gregalotl this mostly happens.
See https://library.hee.nhs.uk/resources/open-access

Regarding lobbying, you should write to your MP about your concerns.

Open access | Workforce, training and education | NHS England

An overview of guidance and resources for NHS England staff utilising open access resources.

NHS England | Workforce, training and education | Knowledge and Library Services