MySunrise is pleased to announce the development of a new digital pre-assessment tool for cancer patients at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
Working closely with the local oncology team, this innovative service supports patients preparing for systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT), helping improve the patient experience while easing pressures on busy oncology departments.
Demand for chemotherapy and immunotherapy continues to rise across the NHS, with SACT delivery up 6–8% per year. Like many cancer centres, Torbay Hospital faces increasing challenges in meeting this demand – particularly for essential pre-treatment appointments – while managing workforce and capacity limitations.
To address this, MySunrise has collaborated with Torbay’s oncology team to design a bespoke virtual pre-assessment service built into the existing MySunrise Cancer Companion App.The new feature enables patients to access important information, videos, and treatment resources at home, followed by a shorter, more focused video consultation with their care team.
Key benefits for patients:
• Convenience: Patients can complete much of their preparation from home, reducing the need for unnecessary hospital visits.
• Enhanced safety: Fewer in-person appointments help reduce the risk of exposure to infections for vulnerable patients.
• Family involvement: Families can take part in the pre-assessment, improving understanding and support.
• Faster treatment: Digital preparation helps reduce delays and streamline patient pathways.
• 24/7access to resources: All essential information is available via the app throughout the treatment journey.
Key benefits for the hospital:
• Improved capacity: Saves up to two hours per pre-assessment clinic, freeing up nurse time for frontline care.
• Efficient service: Ensures consistency of information and supports effective remote care delivery.
• Estate space: Reduces the need for in-clinic pre-assessment appointments, freeing up clinical and parking space.
• Future-ready: Provides a flexible, scalable model that can be expanded to other treatments and centres.
The development builds on the success of a similar pilot in Cornwall, where 74% of patients preferred the digital approach, 100% felt well-prepared for their treatment, and nurses reported substantial time savings.
At Torbay Hospital, the new virtual service launched in summer 2023 as the default pre-assessment pathway for all patients commencing chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The project was developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary local team, with additional support from the Peninsula Cancer Alliance.
Ongoing evaluation – including patient feedback through the app — will help refine the service and inform future expansion across the region.
Dr George Brighton, MySunrise Director and Project Lead, commented: “We believe this digital-first approach has huge potential to enhance cancer care while relieving growing workforce pressures. It’s fantastic to see Torbay pioneering this service, and we look forward to continuing to work with the team and patients to evolve it further.”
For further information about MySunrise digital pre-assessment services, please contact info@mysunrise.co.uk.
