A Southampton IT consultant has been selected to help develop a new NHS online platform.

Nyaradzai Martin Shoko, from Bassett, is one of 19 people chosen to support University Hospital Southampton in creating the Wessex Secure Data Environment (SDE).

The platform will use de-identified NHS data to improve health outcomes in the region.

The 48-year-old, who specialises in AI and data, was chosen from more than 60 applicants for the voluntary role.

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Nyaradzai Martin Shoko joins NHS project to develop Wessex data platform (Image: Supplied) As a 'digital critical friend', he will ensure the views of Wessex residents are considered in the governance and decision-making of the Wessex SDE.

He said: "Access to data for research sped up what could have been a ten year process to give us the COVID-19 vaccine when we needed it – imagine what else it could do.

"It’s life-changing.

"People are often nervous about data and I get that but I’ve seen first-hand the integrity with which the NHS is running this project."

He is now urging Hampshire residents to get involved.

The Wessex SDE is a NHS initiative to securely store and link large amounts of de-identified NHS patient data.

This will be accessible to researchers to improve services and treatments.

However, researchers will not see confidential patient information.

The aim is to speed up crucial projects, such as developing cancer vaccines and early diagnosis of lung cancer.

As part of his role, Mr Shoko will assist the Wessex SDE in creating a trusted governance process and ensure the research benefits the public and NHS.

He first became involved in the project through the Wessex Public Panel on NHS Data, a group of 50 people selected by lottery from across Wessex to help design the SDE and its governance.

Mr Shoko is passionate about the role of data in improving health outcomes and was inspired by the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine when the right data was available.

He encourages people across Hampshire to get involved with the Wessex SDE.

He added: "People also need to remember the bigger picture – access to data can mean life-saving new treatments.

"I’m encouraging everyone to support this project and go to WessexSDE.nhs.uk to help us make a real difference."