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Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Has Won Funding to Lead Digital Cancer Care Innovation

airedale-trust.nhs.uk

Dec 16, 2024, 15:45

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Has Won Funding to Lead Digital Cancer Care Innovation

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has secured funding from the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance to enhance its cancer care services with the innovative digital cancer care platform, Careology.

Funding

Starting in January, patients at Airedale will be introduced to the Careology app—making the Trust the first in the North to offer this groundbreaking digital solution.

The app is designed to empower cancer patients, giving them greater control over their treatment by providing personalized information and continuous support.

It will help patients manage the complexities of their diagnosis, medication schedules, symptom tracking, and side effects. By connecting patients directly with their healthcare team, the app ensures real-time communication and access to vital advice when needed most.

Caroline Salt, Lead Cancer Nurse at Airedale, expressed excitement about the initiative:

“It’s exciting to see Airedale leading the way on the Government’s agenda for digital innovation. This new partnership will benefit both our patients and clinical teams by providing timely information and support at home, improving the overall care experience.”

This initiative is expected to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions by improving patient education and enabling better management of treatment side effects. Early data shows that similar digital cancer care models have led to a 70% reduction in avoidable hospital visits.

Paul Landau, Founder and CEO of Careology, commented:

“We are thrilled to be working with Airedale to address the challenges of cancer care. By providing ongoing oversight of patients between appointments, we can help ensure that those in need of urgent care receive timely intervention, improving both patient outcomes and overall healthcare efficiency.”

Paul Landau

Airedale’s successful bid for £228,000 in funding was one of four selected from 57 applications, underscoring the Trust’s leadership in digital innovation. The project aligns with the NHS’s long-term plan to enhance cancer care through technology and personalized services.

Jason Pawluk, Managing Director of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, praised Airedale’s initiative: “We invested in this impressive proposal because it offers the potential to improve care for cancer patients and shares valuable insights across the region.”

With this partnership, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust is setting a new standard for digital cancer care, paving the way for improved patient experiences and more efficient treatment management.