Key Takeaways
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust launched a new app for cancer support on June 25, 2025, enhancing access to resources for patients and families.
- The app offers guidance on physical and mental well-being, the cost of cancer, and information on cancer prehabilitation services.
- Developed with input from patients and supported by Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, the app is available for free on both Google and Apple app stores.
New App Enhances Cancer Support for Patients
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has introduced an innovative app aimed at streamlining access to vital resources for cancer patients and their families. Launched on June 25, 2025, the app seeks to improve the experience for those navigating the complexities of cancer care by providing essential support at their fingertips.
The app encompasses a range of features focused on both physical and mental well-being, including access to local and national charities, financial guidance related to cancer treatment, and detailed information on Northumbria Healthcare’s cancer prehabilitation services. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive holistic care beyond just their medical treatment.
Mel Freedman, the Macmillan personalised cancer lead at Northumbria Healthcare, noted that the initiative was driven by direct feedback from patients. “Our cancer web page has been accessed thousands of times in the past year, but we wanted to make it even easier and quicker for people to get the support they need. We asked patients what matters to them to create our new app and involved them in co-designing it. What we’ve come up with is a bitesize version of the website,” Freedman explained. This user-centered design reflects a commitment to providing support that encompasses the emotional and practical challenges of living with cancer.
Support for the app’s development came from Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, with Rob Graham, the head of Bright Charity, expressing enthusiasm for the project. “We were impressed by the team’s commitment to helping patients live with and beyond cancer, so we were very happy to support this project. We hope that the app can help patients and their families going through difficult times by providing them with easy access to the support, guidance, and advice they may need,” Graham stated.
The launch of the app is part of a broader strategy by Northumbria Healthcare to leverage digital technology. In March 2025, the organization announced its acquisition of Health Call Solutions Limited, aimed at expanding its software offerings. This acquisition is expected to enhance healthcare management by improving appointment scheduling and facilitating remote care delivery in homes and communities.
Through this ongoing digital transformation, Northumbria Healthcare is dedicated to ensuring that both clinical staff and the public can efficiently access the care they need. The digitization of millions of health records and the introduction of new systems are pivotal in supporting this vision, allowing healthcare providers to work more effectively and improve patient outcomes.
This groundbreaking app represents a significant advancement in how cancer-related support is delivered, affirming Northumbria Healthcare’s commitment to patient-centered care. With the app’s availability in both the Google and Apple app stores, patients and their families now have a vital tool to help them navigate the challenges of cancer more effectively.
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