Rosemere Cancer Centre pilot boosts cancer care with NHS App
nhancing digital communication and access to health records
Last updated 23rd Aug 2026
Cancer patients from South Cumbria receiving treatment at Preston’s Rosemere Cancer Centre are encouraged to download the NHS App, facilitating a new digital health pilot aimed at improving their care experience.
Funded by the Rosemere Cancer Foundation with ÂŁ64,470, the trial of Patients Know Best (PKB) enables patients to access their personal health records directly through the NHS App.
The platform provides patients with essential information such as diagnoses, test results, radiology reports, and care plans, allowing them to view their records instantly instead of waiting for hospital correspondence.
Digital communication with healthcare teams, symptom reporting, and advice-seeking are also features, assisting Cumbria patients in managing their care.
Meeting Growing Demands
The pilot arrives as the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust faces rising demand, impacting hospitals in Lancashire and South Cumbria.
With roughly 300 new cancer diagnoses each month, LTHTR sees up to 28,800 follow-up appointments annually.
Gemma Wright, Cancer Service Improvement Facilitator at LTHTR, stated that the pilot offers an opportunity for patients to become more active participants in their care, relieving pressure on staff.
Enhanced Features and Regional Expansion
The platform boasts a tailored library of information, including patient guides, support groups, and tutorial videos, improving access to support for South Cumbria residents.
Patients may allow family members or carers access for more comprehensive oversight of treatment.
Compatibility with health apps and devices such as Fitbit and Strava facilitates tracking physical activity, enhancing treatment plans.
The Rosemere Cancer Foundation hopes the pilot’s success could result in broader adoption across NHS trusts in the region, benefiting additional patients in Cumbria.
As the charity’s Chief Officer, Dan Hill, noted, PKB has gained interest from NHS trusts countrywide, prompting the trial funding.
The Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s mission supports cancer patients across Lancashire and South Cumbria, funding innovative projects and development at Rosemere Cancer Centre and other hospital units.
Patients are encouraged to download the NHS App, centralising their treatment details.
Success of the project could pave the way for extending digital health records throughout Lancashire and beyond.