Health & Lifestyle | Posted on March 26th, 2025 | return to news
Dorset mum supports major new NHS data project
Lindsay Anderson from Poole is urging people to share their views on how NHS data is used for research.
A mum from Poole has been selected as one of 19 members of the public supporting the development of a new online platform that will use NHS data to help researchers improve health services and treatments, and she is urging everyone in the county to get involved and share their views on how this data should be used.
University Hospital Southampton is developing the Wessex Secure Data Environment (SDE) to improve health outcomes in the region. The Wessex SDE will enable large amounts of anonymised NHS patient data to be safely stored, linked together and made accessible to researchers while remaining safeguarded by the NHS. Researchers won’t ever see confidential patient information, but they will get access to better quality data, speeding up projects like the roll-out of vaccines and earlier diagnosis of cancer.
Lindsay Anderson, a 55-year-old who lives with a chronic digestive disorder, was one of more than 60 people to apply for the voluntary role of ‘Digital Critical Friend’. As a Digital Critical Friend, she will ensure the views of people in the region are embedded into the development of the Wessex SDE and help to design a governance process that can be trusted by residents.
Anderson has volunteered for University Hospital Southampton since her condition made it impossible for her to work full time. She also juggles caring for her disabled 19-year-old daughter.
She is a passionate supporter of the NHS, having had two major surgeries. Anderson was born without an oesophagus and has undergone complex surgeries to construct one using parts of her colon.
Now, she is encouraging members of the public across Dorset to follow in her footsteps and get involved with the Wessex SDE, as part of a big public conversation across the region. Over the next two months, everyone is invited to share their own thoughts and questions on how NHS data is used for research online or at special events: https://wessexsde.nhs.uk/.
Anderson said: “I owe my life to the NHS and its pioneering work. However, moving forward, I’m aware so much more can still be done to improve the lives of those with a wide range of complicated health conditions. Further research is vital to advance healthcare, but we need to ensure any studies undertaken are ethical and in the best interests of those affected.
“The Wessex SDE aims not just to improve this research but to make it faster – giving us potential diagnosis, treatments and medicines sooner, thus improving and saving lives. By backing this project, I feel like I’m supporting the health of our nation and protecting the future of the NHS which has done so much for me.
“People get a bit nervous when you talk about data. But with the right safeguards in place to ensure public trust in this project, the benefits of using our de-identified health data in this project could be truly groundbreaking. I really think it’s important that people get involved in this discussion now. This way, we can all be part of building a robust Wessex SDE to help safeguard the future of the NHS.
“It doesn’t have to take much of your time, but you can find out about the project at www.wessexsde.nhs.uk. Tell us what you think, and we can design it in a way that works for everyone.”
Anyone wanting to get involved with the Wessex SDE should go to: https://wessexsde.nhs.uk/.
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