A Buxton man who was diagnosed with lymphocytic leukaemia in 2012 and is still receiving treatment starred in a new film about the future of The Christie hospital.

The Future Christie and Me film series features patients from across the region, including Robin Edwards from Buxton.

Robin and other patients offer personal perspectives on how care could become more joined-up, accessible and personalised for future patients, particularly through the use of technology and digital healthcare tools.

He said: “I have a long term condition so I use the NHS app and MyChristie patient portal to read letters, update details and keep track of my care.” He says easy access online gives him a ‘clearer sense of his treatment’.

Buxton cancer patient Robin Edwards stars in new film from The Christie hospital.

placeholder image — Buxton cancer patient Robin Edwards stars in new film from The Christie hospital.

Robin previously worked in IT and the new mini film talks about how better-connected digital systems could help cancer patients access information more easily and feel more informed about their care.

Digital tools will never replace clinicians Robin said but they can offer support as more patients are diagnosed.

Future Christie is a 10-year programme to improve how patients Some early key improvements include a new patient portal where people can view letters and appointments, along with digital reviews for chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

AI is being used to speed up radiotherapy treatment planning as well as a modern electronic patient record system and integrating information about care received with the NHS App

Robin says the information from the MyChristie portal ‘links seamlessly through to his NHS app’ and that ‘joined up information gives him control.

Outside of treatment, Robin enjoys a full and active life including Morris dancing, gardening and walking.

The series of films also features Lynn Thompson, who has been living with ovarian cancer since 2017 and continues to receive ongoing treatment and monitoring at The Christie.

She said: “If using new health technology can help people feel more informed, more supported and less anxious, then it’s worth doing,” she says.

Collectively, the films explore how improvements in information-sharing, digital systems and communication could help make care feel more connected and personalised, while ensuring that compassionate human care remains at the centre of every patient experience.

The films are available to watch searching ‘Future Christie’ on YouTube.