Digital health-support community launched in Jersey

Thursday, 7 May 2026 07:00

A new digital health platform has launched with an online community to connect prostate cancer patients and their families.

NowWhat.health provides medical information, matches people with their peers and offers access to a moderated community where they can share experiences, learn from others and find reassurance during moments of uncertainty.

It aims to help people navigate the 'Now what?' moments between medical appointments, and the months and years after treatment.

Users from anywhere in the world can connect with others facing similar experiences.

Michelle Ryan, Director of NowWhat.health for Jersey, says it can be used for questions big and small:

"There's an online forum, and it might be that you don't want to ask a one-to-one question in a peer group, or it might be a really simple question - like the best parking at a certain hospital. Sometimes people want to ask those anonymous questions to the wider audience.

"It aims to bridge the gap between diagnosis and in-person appointments, where, in between them, there is the 'midnight googling.'

"Sometimes people are too scared to ask a question in an appointment, are too embarrassed or are overwhelmed with information, or ask it and forget the answer.

"They've now got a place to go with the Q&A, and the research articles.

"There's lots of lifestyle content too: how to talk to loved ones, how to talk to work."

The pilot programme is dedicated to prostate health, but work is already underway to expand the platform to provide support for addiction, as well as female health, fertility and neurodegenerative diseases.

Tony Moretta, CEO of Digital Jersey, says it is an opportunity for the island to play a meaningful role in digital health innovation.

"Initiatives like NowWhat.health show how technology developed and nurtured here can address real human needs and support people far beyond the Island.

"This kind of homegrown innovation positions Jersey as a powerful testbed and launchpad for the future of digital health.”