Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is to pioneer a new urgent medical care system treating chemotherapy patients’ side-effects by using a smart phone.

The system is the first of its kind in the Northwest, and patients will be offered a specifically-programmed phone to take home.

The device will help them keep track of symptoms and get support when needed by communicating directly with staff at the centre through the 3G network.

People undergoing chemo will be asked to submit a digital questionnaire once a day ranking symptoms on a scale of one to ten.

Once submitted, they will then be alerted with a "traffic light" system

• If symptoms generate a red alert, the triage service will be in touch within 30 minutes and will call the patient to devise a suitable course of action

• If an amber alert is shown the patient will be offered self-care tips through the mobile device to alleviate symptoms. The team will also call them within four hours

• A green alert means the patient will be offered self-care tips to improve their comfort at home, but no further action is required.

The centre presently operates a 24-hour telephone triage service to determine whether or not patients need urgent medical care.

The trial is set to support this service and help triage teams react more quickly to alleviate side effects.

Rachel Drapeur, research practitioner at Clatterbridge, said: “The centre is embracing technology in various guises to help support its patients.

"We were very keen to be part of this study as we continue to ensure we’re providing the best possible options for patients – their interests are always at the heart of any choices we make regarding treatment and care.

“It is hoped that the trial will encourage patients to regularly reflect on all of their symptoms, and for us to react to these as quickly possible."

Ms Drapeur continued: "We often find that our patients are reluctant to use the triage phone service because they don’t like to complain or to be a ‘bother.’

"The mobile device will encourage all patients to keep in touch regularly, report their symptoms and ensure they take advantage of the support which is available."

Initially the trial will include patients undergoing one cycle of chemotherapy for breast and colorectal cancer.

In the next stage this will be rolled out to more patients who will be asked to use the device for three cycles of treatment.

The study, led by the University of Surrey and Cancer Research UK, is also taking place at several other locations across the country.