Team come out on top at Health Data Research UK Awards
Our team was honored with a Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) Award for its work in transforming data into research to improve patient care and health outcomes across the region.
HDR UK, the UK’s national institute for health data science, recognized teams that drove innovation and progress through collaboration. The award was presented at the 2024 HDR UK Conference in Leeds by Dame Julie Moore, Chair of the Board.
Driving Impact Through Data Science
The team, led by Consultant Surgeon Professor Vishnu Chandrabalan, included Professor Jo Knight from Lancaster Medical School, Emergency Medicine Specialist Registrar Dale Kirkwood, and Quinta Ashcroft and Tim Howcroft from the Trust. Together, they worked to make health data more accessible for research, improve healthcare efficiency, and drive better patient outcomes.
Prof. Vishnu Chandrabalan, emphasised the significance of the work:
“This has led to a much better understanding of the data we hold for our patients and how to make it more accessible for research, improving care and efficiency. A research-active healthcare system delivers better outcomes for patients, which can only benefit the people we serve.”
Prof. Jo Knight highlighted the impact of research-driven data science:
“Using routinely collected data helps us improve health outcomes for everyone, aligning with Lancaster University’s vision of conducting research with real-world impact. We are privileged to be part of this small but powerful team.”
A Celebration of Teamwork
The award held special significance for the team, as it was submitted by Dale Kirkwood as a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for his colleagues:
“I couldn’t be happier to see their hard work and dedication recognized. Being as busy and focused as they are, they need someone to shout from the rooftops for them!”
Dr Stephen Dobson, Chief Information Officer at the Trust, also praised the team’s efforts:
“This team punches way above its weight and is rapidly gaining national and international recognition through collaborations across the country.”
The team was incredibly proud of this achievement and looked forward to continuing its work in health data research, ensuring its efforts made a tangible difference in patient care and healthcare innovation.
Image credit to HDRUK
