Residents in Lancashire and South Cumbria who are waiting for NHS treatment or surgery are being offered support to get online.

Age UK Lancashire is working with Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) to offer digital support to patients aged 18+, so they can use online services to get them set for surgery.

This will allow patients to manage their health and wellbeing using a smartphone, tablet or computer, and to stay as fit and healthy as possible while they wait for their treatment. It will also allow people to find out more about their condition, what to do if their condition deteriorates, and get extra support online if they need it.

The ICB’s digital culture and transformation clinical lead, Linda Vernon, said: “We know that some people have less knowledge, skills or confidence to use digital services that might improve their access to care, and support with day-to-day activities. To improve patient access, choice and experience we are working in partnership with Age UK Lancashire to include a holistic digital offer for people who are referred to hospital services.”

Age UK Lancashire’s elective recovery digital inclusion manager, Jason Barlow, said: “The service is there for patients before and after treatment, offering digital tools to help with recovery, including finding information about impacts of surgery and the recovery process, and accessing the many digital services and apps that can help with recovery.”

Patients looking to sign up to this service can call 0300 303 1234 or email digital-inclusion@ageuklancs.org.uk.