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The diagram below describes the steps involved in gaining approval to access NSW data. More detailed information about each step can be viewed via the ‘Read more’ button. For pricing information please click here. If you are seeking to access unlinked data from any of our MLK datasets, please contact the relevant data custodian.

The steps below detail the process for all research related linked data requests.

Step 01 of 7

Dataset and variable information can be found on the CHeReL website.

NSW Health recommends disclosing unit record health data intended for secondary use by external parties into a suitable Secure Access Environment (SAE). Consequently, all relevant new data projects are required to comply with this recommendation.
For additional details regarding suitable Secure Access Environments (SAE) and when they are recommended, please refer to this website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/data/sharing/Pages/secure-access-environments.aspx

Step 02 of 7

Here are the forms you need to complete:
  1. Combined protocol and application for data
  2. A variables list for each data collection in your project
  3. A data flow chart for your linkage. Examples and templates here.
  4. NSW Privacy Form
  5. DRAFT of your HREA generated in REGIS

If you need help, you can contact our Research Project Managers by emailing MOH-cherel@health.nsw.gov.au.

These forms will also form the core of your application for Ethics approval from the Population & Health Services Research Ethics Committee (PHSREC).

Most data linkage projects will need PHSREC approval. Discuss with your Research Project Manager if you are seeking approval from another Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) under the National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) Scheme or you have a Biolink project.

Step 03 of 7

When your submission is ready, please email the completed forms to the Research Project Managers at: moh-cherel@health.nsw.gov.au.

We will review your application, provide feedback and a quote. Please allow 2-4 weeks for us to respond.

Please note, the NSW Central Cancer Registry (NSW CCR) and the 45 and Up Study may charge a fee for data extraction which is not included in the CHeReL quote.

For more information on cost of requesting CCR, please contact the Cancer Institute NSW at: 
CINSW-DARenquiries@health.nsw.gov.au 

For more information on cost of requesting data from the 45 and Up Study, please contact the Sax Institute at: 45andup.research@saxinstitute.org.au.

Step 04 of 7

Once your team has addressed any feedback from the Research Project Manager, your project will be deemed technically feasible.

You will receive an email to confirm technical feasibility and you can upload this to REGIS as part of your submission to PHSREC.

Step 05 of 7

The team at CHeReL will seek data custodian approval on your behalf for data sets in the Master Linkage Key.

We will send their approvals to you as we receive them.

Please allow 2-4 weeks for Master Linkage Key data custodian approvals.

Your team will need to arrange data custodian approvals for all other data collections. Please send data custodians the same submission documents. Let us know if you need help.

Step 06 of 7

Submit your data custodian approvals, technical feasibility letter and all application documents to PHSREC.

Please submit all documents to PHSREC via REGIS. PHSREC and other HRECs may require additional documentation. Please consult the relevant HREC and allow sufficient time to prepare other forms.

Step 07 of 7

Once you receive your Ethics approval, please send us the approval letter and a copy of all documents listed on the approval letter.

The diagram below describes the steps involved in gaining approval to access ACT data, more detailed information about each step can be viewed via the ‘Read more’ button.

Steps 1 to 3 are the same in NSW and ACT

Step 02 of 7

Here are the forms you need to complete if you are applying for NSW and ACT linked data:
  1. Combined protocol and application for data
  2. variables list for each data collection in your project
  3. A data flow chart for your linkage. Examples and templates here.
  4. NSW Privacy Form
  5. DRAFT of your HREA generated in REGIS

If you need help, you can contact our Research Project Managers by emailing MOH-cherel@health.nsw.gov.au.

These forms will also form the core of your application for Ethics approval from the Population & Health Services Research Ethics Committee (PHSREC).

Most data linkage projects will need PHSREC approval. Discuss with your Research Project Manager if you are seeking approval from another Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) under the National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) Scheme or you have a Biolink project.

Step 03 of 7

When your submission is ready, please email the completed forms to the Research Project Managers at: moh-cherel@health.nsw.gov.au.

We will review your application, provide feedback and a quote. Please allow 2-4 weeks for us to respond.

Please note, the NSW Central Cancer Registry (NSW CCR) and the 45 and Up Study may charge a fee for data extraction which is not included in the CHeReL quote.

For more information on cost of requesting CCR, please contact the Cancer Institute NSW at: 
CINSW-DARenquiries@health.nsw.gov.au 

For more information on cost of requesting data from the 45 and Up Study, please contact the Sax Institute at: 45andup.research@saxinstitute.org.au.

Step 04 of 7

Once your team has addressed any feedback from the Research Project Manager, your project will be deemed technically feasible.

You will receive an email to confirm technical feasibility. ACT Health will ask for this during their approval process.

Step 05 of 7

Submit your data custodian approvals, technical feasibility letters, application documents and other supporting documents to the appropriate ethics committee.

If you have NSW data in your project, you should submit to PHSREC first.

If your project has ACT-only data, you should submit to ACT Health HREC first.

Please check each ethics committee website for their requirements.

Step 06 of 7

Obtain data custodian sign off for ACT data sets.

Once you receive notice of ethics approval from the ACT Health HREC, please contact relevant data custodians to obtain sign off. ACT Health will advise on this process.

Step 07 of 7

When you obtain both ethics and data custodian approvals, please notify the CheReL and send us a copy of all documents listed on your approval letters. Please send this to moh-cherel@health.nsw.gov.au
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