Sunday Times recognition for Cheshire and Merseyside’s work on waiting lists
Monday, 10 February 2025
An app which saves lives by spotting at-risk-patients on hospital waiting lists has been a highlighted by a national newspaper.
The AI tool, which helps Cheshire and Merseyside’s surgical teams prioritise previously hidden high-risk patients while helping them to prepare for surgery through self-care coaching, was showcased by The Sunday Times.
Almost 1000 patients have directly benefited from health coaching in the run up to and beyond their surgery with significant improvements in clinical outcomes.
One patient to benefit is 74-year-old Tim Ashcroft, who spoke to The Sunday Times about his experience.
Tim, from Winsford, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2023. After six weeks of chemotherapy, had surgery to remove his oesophagus and possible cancer of the colon. After the surgery he had a stoma and was put on a waiting list to have the procedure reversed.
The C2-Ai technology identified him as a risk and referred him to the Surgery Hero app for exercise, diet and mental health support to prepare him for surgery.
“It gave me a sense that I can look after my health while I wait, and that’s important especially as waits are so long at the moment. If this is a process which can generally save time and save lives… I don’t think anyone would object to that.”