The year-long trial will see Kent-based digital health SME QuestPrehab work with 300 patients both before and after their surgery.

The digitised service will see patients able to access their individualised exercise, nutrition and psychological wellbeing programmes via QuestPrehab's app.

In the past three-and-a-half years the trust has introduced a total robotic practice for colorectal cancer surgery and a colorectal virtual hospital.

Mr Vanash Patel, consultant colorectal and general surgeon, colorectal lead and robotic surgery lead at the WHTH, said: ‘Digital prehabilitation is the final piece of the jigsaw in creating a truly technology-enabled pathway for colorectal cancer at West Herts. By adding QuestPrehab, we are completing the circle.

‘This represents a step change in cancer care delivery. Our patients will be supported from the moment of diagnosis, optimising their fitness, nutrition and wellbeing before surgery, then benefiting from advanced robotic techniques and early discharge supported by virtual monitoring.

‘This pathway is about empowering patients, reducing complications, and helping people recover faster, while at the same time making the best use of NHS resources. What makes it especially powerful is that it is being delivered not at a major academic centre, but at a district general hospital. That shows what is possible when we embrace innovation.'

QuestPrehab founder and chief executive, Professor Tara Rampal, added: ‘There's substantial evidence that prehab improves surgical outcomes, but traditional face-to-face models are resource-intensive and inequitable. However, delivering services digitally syncs with the Government's 10-Year NHS Fit For The Future plan, especially through the plan's focus on personalised care, prevention, and integrated community services.'