diff --git a/R/create_episode_file.R b/R/create_episode_file.R
index 28ab574e6..5a5ae0fd8 100644
--- a/R/create_episode_file.R
+++ b/R/create_episode_file.R
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ create_episode_file <- function(
   episode_file <- dplyr::bind_rows(processed_data_list) %>%
     slfhelper::get_chi() %>%
 
-    write_temp_data(data, year, file_name = "ep_temp1", test_mode) %>%
+    write_temp_data(year, file_name = "ep_temp1", test_mode) %>%
 
     create_cost_inc_dna() %>%
     apply_cost_uplift() %>%
@@ -124,18 +124,18 @@ create_episode_file <- function(
       # PC8 format may still be used. Ensure here that all datasets are in PC7 format.
       postcode = phsmethods::format_postcode(.data$postcode, "pc7")
     ) %>%
-    write_temp_data(data, year, file_name = "ep_temp2", test_mode) %>%
+    write_temp_data(year, file_name = "ep_temp2", test_mode) %>%
     correct_cij_vars() %>%
     fill_missing_cij_markers() %>%
     add_homelessness_flag(year, lookup = homelessness_lookup) %>%
     add_homelessness_date_flags(year, lookup = homelessness_lookup) %>%
     add_ppa_flag() %>%
-    write_temp_data(data, year, file_name = "ep_temp3", test_mode) %>%
+    write_temp_data(year, file_name = "ep_temp3", test_mode) %>%
     link_delayed_discharge_eps(year, dd_data) %>%
     add_nsu_cohort(year, nsu_cohort) %>%
     match_on_ltcs(year, ltc_data) %>%
     correct_demographics(year) %>%
-    write_temp_data(data, year, file_name = "ep_temp4", test_mode) %>%
+    write_temp_data(year, file_name = "ep_temp4", test_mode) %>%
     create_cohort_lookups(year) %>%
     join_cohort_lookups(year) %>%
     join_sparra_hhg(year) %>%
@@ -147,13 +147,13 @@ create_episode_file <- function(
       year,
       slf_deaths_lookup
     ) %>%
-    write_temp_data(data, year, file_name = "ep_temp5", test_mode) %>%
+    write_temp_data(year, file_name = "ep_temp5", test_mode) %>%
     add_activity_after_death_flag(year,
       deaths_data = read_file(get_combined_slf_deaths_lookup_path()) %>%
         slfhelper::get_chi()
     ) %>%
     load_ep_file_vars(year) %>%
-    write_temp_data(data, year, file_name = "ep_temp6", test_mode)
+    write_temp_data(year, file_name = "ep_temp6", test_mode)
 
   if (!check_year_valid(year, type = c("ch", "hc", "at", "sds"))) {
     episode_file <- episode_file %>%
diff --git a/R/write_temp_data.R b/R/write_temp_data.R
index b8c834c44..a0fb0652d 100644
--- a/R/write_temp_data.R
+++ b/R/write_temp_data.R
@@ -23,6 +23,15 @@ write_temp_data <-
     return(data)
   }
 
+read_temp_data <- function(year, file_name, test_mode){
+  full_file_name <- stringr::str_glue("{file_name}.parquet")
+  file_path <- file.path(get_year_dir(year),
+                         full_file_name) %>%
+    add_test_to_filename(test_mode)
+
+  return(read_file(file_path))
+}
+
 
 #' Add "TEST-" to the file name of a file Path
 #'