The majority of Hampshire residents support the use of health data to improve the NHS, according to new research.

The study, conducted by University Hospital Southampton, found that 75 per cent of people in the county are in favour of using health data to enhance NHS services.

The research was launched to coincide with the start of the hospital's 'Improving Tomorrow's Health' campaign, which aims to involve people across Hampshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight in shaping how NHS patient data is used to tackle critical health challenges.

The research also found that 80 per cent of Hampshire residents are concerned about the future of the NHS.

The Wessex Secure Data Environment (SDE), a new NHS platform, aims to accelerate research that could address these concerns by harnessing the power of patient data to develop new treatments and improve NHS efficiency, effectiveness, and safety.

Professor Christopher Kipps, Wessex SDE project lead and professor of clinical neurology and dementia at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The Wessex SDE accelerates breakthrough research powered by NHS patient data, but it's no easy task.

"Today NHS data is fragmented – making it difficult for researchers who want to see the big picture, spot trends and make discoveries.

"The Wessex SDE fixes this - accelerating research while giving the NHS full control over data usage and ensuring that patient data stays private and safe."

The research also found that 76 per cent of Hampshire residents support the use of their data for life-saving research, with cancer, heart and circulatory health, dementia, and mental health ranking among the public’s top priorities.

However, trust is critical to the Wessex SDE’s success, with 80 per cent of Hampshire residents supporting the use of their data for research as long as personal details remain protected, and 81 per cent stressing the importance of transparency.

Participants are invited to fill in the survey at wessexsde.nhs.uk/have-your-say/

Over the next two months, the ‘Improving Tomorrow’s Health’ campaign invites everyone in Hampshire to share their views on how NHS data should be used for research.

Public feedback will help shape the SDE’s governance and priorities, ensuring it aligns with local needs.