Telefónica Tech and Starlight partnered with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to build a secure, ethical platform to enable new research, improve patient care, and drive innovation across the region.

 

London, 20th March 2026

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 highly commended in the Data Integration Project of the Year category at 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.

  • We are delighted to receive this commendation. 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.

    Ben Attwood - Oxford University Hospitals.jpg

    Ben Attwood

    Chief Digital and Information Officer at Oxford University Hospitals

  • 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. Receiving this Commendation reflects the collective effort and shared ambition behind this programme and the positive impact it is already having across our region.

    Kerrie Woods

    Director, Thames Valley and Surrey Secure Data Environment

  • Congratulations to TVS SDE and their partners on being Highly Commended, it 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.

    Hilary Fanning

    Senior Responsible Owner for the Data for Research and Development Programm

  • We are truly honoured that this project has been 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.

    Chris Uren

    Data & AI Public Sector Sales Director at Telefónica Tech

  • 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.

    Ross Fullerton

    Co-founder of Starlight Consulting

The three organisations are 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:

About Oxford University Hospitals

Oxford University Hospitals is a world renowned centre of clinical excellence and one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the UK. The Trust provides a wide range of clinical services, specialist services at different locations (including cardiac, cancer, musculoskeletal, and neurological rehabilitation), medical education, training, and more. https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/

 

About Telefónica Tech

Telefónica Tech is a leading company in digital transformation. The company offers a wide range of services and integrated technological solutions for Cloud, Data & AI, Cyber Security, and Business Applications. For more information, please visit https://telefonicatech.uk

 

About Starlight Consulting

Starlight Consulting are digital and strategy experts based in London, dedicated to delivering with the most successful public and private sector organisations. Starlight works with the NHS, pharma, FMCG, defence, justice, retail, energy, and more. https://www.starlightconsulting.co.uk/