Thames Valley and Surrey health data research programme highly commended
- Starlight Team
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
A health data research programme serving the Thames Valley and Surrey has been highly commended.
The Thames Valley and Surrey Secure Data Environment (TVS SDE) was a finalist in the Data Integration Project of the Year category at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2026, which celebrate outstanding collaboration between NHS organisations and industry partners.
Developed in partnership between Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), Telefónica Tech and Starlight Consulting, the TVS SDE is a secure, ethical platform that enables researchers and healthcare professionals to access NHS data safely and responsibly. This helps support new research, improve patient care and drive innovation across the region.
The platform serves 4.3 million people across the region, bringing together data from hospitals, mental health services, community care, ambulance services and GP practices.
By simplifying access to this information, the project removes barriers that have historically slowed research and service improvements, such as inconsistent access and complex governance processes.
The TVS SDE is co-produced with patients, public contributors, clinicians, and researchers, ensuring that the platform is shaped by those it serves and is built on the principles of transparency, trust and public benefit.
It is part of the England-wide SDE Network, funded by NHS England's Data for Research and Development Programme. The SDE Network provides approved researchers with fast, secure, and streamlined access to the health and care data they need, empowering them to do research that improves care and treatment for NHS patients.
Ben Attwood, Chief Digital and Information Officer at OUH, said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition. It recognises the hard work of everyone involved in developing the TVS SDE, and we’re grateful to our partners and colleagues across the region. We look forward to building on this progress to further strengthen the digital tools that support patients and staff.”
Kerrie Woods, Director, Thames Valley and Surrey Secure Data Environment, said: “Our vision for the TVS SDE is to drive value from the rich NHS data that has historically been difficult to access for research and innovation.
“Working alongside Telefónica Tech and Starlight Consulting, we’ve built a secure and transparent data service shaped by the needs of patients, public partners, clinicians and researchers.
“Being highly commended reflects the collective effort and shared ambition behind this programme and the positive impact it is already having across our region.”
Chris Uren, Data & AI Public Sector Sales Director at Telefónica Tech UK&I, said: “We are truly honoured that this project was highly commended at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2026. We are very proud of our team’s role in delivering such an impactful and important initiative. This highlights what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared commitment to transforming healthcare through data.
“The TVS SDE is a powerful example of how secure, scalable, and ethical data platforms can accelerate research, empower clinicians, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”
Ross Fullerton, Co-founder of Starlight Consulting, said: “The TVS SDE is one of the most ambitious and meaningful health data programmes in the UK.
“It has been a privilege to work with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Telefónica Tech to turn this vision into reality.
“What makes this project truly stand out is the co-production approach bringing together the NHS, academia, industry, and public partners to build a trusted, future-ready environment. Being shortlisted is testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved.”
Hilary Fanning, Senior Responsible Owner for the Data for Research and Development Programme, said: "Congratulations to TVS SDE and their partners on being highly commended which recognises the success of their collaborative approach. Working with communities, partners and data providers to support safe access to data for research is key to helping us solve the most pressing challenges for patients and the NHS."
The three organisations were among more than 160 finalists selected from over 240 entries for the 2026 awards. Winners were announced at an event in Evolution London on Thursday 19 March.
Find out more about the TVS SDE project:
