Thames Valley and Surrey Secure Data Environment Overview

This document is a case study detailing the establishment and impact of the Thames Valley and Surrey Secure Data Environment (TVS SDE) by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in collaboration with Telefónica Tech and Starlight Consulting. The initiative aims to enhance access to real-world health data for research and development while ensuring security and public trust. It outlines the challenges faced by the NHS in accessing fragmented data and the need for a unified data platform. The solution involved creating a cloud-based data environment that integrates various healthcare data sources, ensuring compliance with governance frameworks like UK GDPR. The document describes the technical implementation, including the use of Microsoft Azure and a Trusted Research Environment (TRE) for secure data access. Key outcomes include accelerated research and development processes, improved governance, and enhanced public trust through community involvement in decision-making. The TVS SDE is positioned as a pivotal resource for advancing healthcare innovation and research.