A new app has been developed to support patients during and after their cancer treatment

A new app, My Wellbeing Space, has been developed, which provides free digital content produced by the Macmillan project team and clinical teams, intended to support patients during and after their cancer treatment.

The app will be initially available to patients who’re receiving treatment and care from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. Furthermore, the app, which provides free content with information about food and nutrition, emotional wellbeing and treatments, fatigue and financial concerns, includes short videos delivered by clinical nurse specialists, consultants, GP’s, oncologists, wellbeing practitioners and a carer. Patients will have full access to the app during ongoing treatment.

Neasham based, Tina Murray, who completed thirty months of treatment for cancer earlier this year, stated: “Coming towards the end of cancer treatment, I felt fear rather than elation. My life had been consumed by appointments, tests, treatments and I feared the loss of that structure. This is when you can start to realise the enormity of what has happened, feel isolated and fear the future. This is where the app comes in. It helps crystallise and identify in your mind the issues you are facing. It provides all sorts of information and sources of support available to you to help you through your emergence from treatment. You can get help dealing with your emotional mental health, as well as physical issues such as fatigue and where to get support for financial concerns. The app is very simple to use and because the support information is tailored to your local area.”

Chief Executive at Inhealthcare, Bryn Sage, stated: “This is a great example of how health technology can support people living with long term conditions, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic. As well as providing reassurance to patients, My Wellbeing Space also promotes a healthy lifestyle which can help the body to recover after cancer treatment.”

Macmillan Leader cancer Nurse, Clare Doney, stated: “Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing event affecting patients, families and friends emotionally, as well as physically. We want to provide holistic support as soon as possible and the app is one way that we can reach out to more people. It gives our patients tools and resources to support and empower them to contribute to their wellbeing and overall health.”