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Frequently Asked Questions

The Centre for Health Record Linkage (CHeReL) charges a fee for the linkage of records. The cost varies based on the cohort size and the number and types of datasets being linked. Please note CHeReL prices for the cost of linkage of NSW and ACT data only. Other data linkage units, data custodians and data storage services may also charge their own fees. 

Please review the Data Linkage Costs page on our website. 

 

Linked NSW data may only be stored within a Secure Data Environment and may not be stored anywhere else. Copies of linked data may not be stored on local servers, or any portable devices including external drives, laptops or desktop computers.

Data variables available for analysis are listed in the published data dictionaries. 

You will need to contact the data custodians of external datasets to request data dictionaries and variable lists of other datasets. 

Yes. CHeReL can link external datasets. To do so we require suitable identifiers for linkage and approvals from the data custodian of the dataset.

Yes. With an appropriate legal basis, data custodian approval and adequate identifiers, the CHeReL can undertake data linkage for projects using data from other states/territories or Commonwealth data collections. 

We also work closely with other jurisdictional data linkage units to facilitate cross- and multi- jurisdictional linkage via the Population Health Research Network (PHRN). 

Information about datasets available for linkage across Australia is also available on the PHRN website. 

Research studies utilising linked data must be approved by a specialist data linkage Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). 

Studies using linked unit record data comprising personal and health information from only NSW data collections are required to be reviewed by the NSW Population & Health Services Research Ethics Committee (PHSREC). 

Studies using linked unit record data comprising personal and health information from only ACT data collections require ACT Health HREC approval. 

Multi-jurisdictional data linkage studies that include NSW Health data may be reviewed by any of the specialist data linkage HREC nominated by States and Territories participating in the National Mutual Acceptance Scheme (NMA) for multi‑jurisdictional data linkage studies. Please download the NMA Data Linkage Guide for an up-to-date list of all specialist linkage HRECs. 

Please refer to the Amendment Requirements listed on NSW Population & Health Services Research Ethics Committee (PHSREC)’s website 

CHeReL and NSW data custodians may be required to review your amendment prior to submission to PHSREC. To do so, you should submit to CHeReL: 

  • CHeReL combined protocol and application for data (with tracked changes) 

Please ensure your project is using version 9 (V9.0) or above of the Combined Protocol and Application for Data. If you are using an older version, please transition your information onto a new form before making tracked changes. 

  • Any other project documentation that has changed (variable lists, NSW privacy form, updated HREA etc) 

A copy of any publication or report is to be provided to the NSW Ministry of Health at least two weeks prior to public release, emailed to moh-cee@health.nsw.gov.au. 

 The NSW Ministry of Health and the CHeReL is to be acknowledged in any publication or report that arises from the use of the NSW Health data. 

For specific questions relating to ethics, please see the NSW Population and Health Services Research Ethics Committee website.

 

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