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People who have been diagnosed with cancer are now able to access a free pre-habilitation service.

This much-needed service will help people prepare for their treatments and improve recovery through emotional, physical, and nutritional support.

Patients can now join a digital wellbeing and exercise programme or attend face-to-face sessions with leisure centre partners across mid and south Essex.

The scheme aims to help at least 750 people every year, with plans to eventually provide support to the 10,000 patients currently receiving cancer care across mid and south Essex.

Robin Wright has benefitted during the pilot of this scheme, and he said:

“Going to the sessions has massively helped to address my concerns about living with cancer. During the weeks that I have attended I felt how well it helped me cope with chemotherapy and, if feeling down, other class attendees would encourage me.”

Before this offer, up to 50% of cancer patients were not able to start or complete the best treatment option due to their general health. 60% of patients experience anxiety and depression, but only a small proportion of patients can access counselling services.

Face-to-face prehab programmes were only available in four areas, and vulnerable patients or those from deprived areas, were less likely to access support.

Emma Chaplin, Deputy Director of Nursing, Cancer Division at the Trust, said: “This programme will help to reduce anxiety around cancer treatment, strengthen people ready for surgery or other therapies and has been proven to reduce readmission to hospital after treatment. It also means people stay in hospital for shorter periods as they can recover more quickly. Most importantly, this is about equity of access and will ensure everyone can benefit if they want to.”

Patients can be referred to the online programme or be referred by their health care provider for the face-to-face sessions, even if they have previously turned down offers of support.