A RETIRED teacher from Collins Green is one of a small group of cancer patients to use technology that allows them to take part in appointments from the comfort of their home.

Graham Mercer, 77, who was diagnosed with disease in September 2016, is now able to have an appointment with their specialist nurse via a video call.

The Telehealth Clinic is being used at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust.

He said: “I was asked if I would like to participate and I agreed to give it a try it seemed the obvious thing to do in an increasingly technological environment.

“I actually didn’t mind going to Clatterbridge once a month as of course the transport was laid on and the journey was quite pleasant. Also, Clatterbridge itself was always welcoming and supportive - it was almost, in a way, like being in a kind of club.

“But using the Telehealth option meant that I had more time to myself, without the need for booking transport.

“Patients with no or little experience with computers should not be deterred as the process, once it has been explained and with a little practice, is quite straightforward.

“I have blood tests done at St Helens Hospital once a month, the day before I am due to communicate with Sarah via my lap-top.

“I now get my prescriptions delivered to the door once a month by the Blood Bikes, so that also relieves me of the necessity to pick them up from St Helens Hospital.”

Patients are still required to attend the centre in Wirral or one of its clinics for scans and specialist clinic appointments with their consultant every three months.