Connecting Communities across Redcar: One stop at a time with the Melissa Bus.
It was an open and welcoming space for local people to learn more about app and give the support available to help them use it confidently. Throughout the morning, residents were invited to ask questions, discuss their experiences, and receive practical guidance on setting up and navigating the app. Conversations covered everything from accessing prescriptions and appointments to understanding how digital healthcare can make everyday NHS services more accessible.
Several key themes emerged throughout the morning, one significant barrier for some individuals was access to suitable technology, with five individuals sharing they did not own a smartphone and have no intention of moving to one. Others spoke about the lack of trust and confidence in digital systems, explaining they preferred speaking directly to a person so they could feel reassured their information had been received and processed correctly.
Whilst some highlighted concerns, others shared positive experiences, one woman described the app to be extremely useful for managing her own healthcare but explained that she was unable to use it for her children’s prescriptions, meaning she still had to rely on separate systems.
The session highlighted mixed experiences with the NHS App, providing valuable insight for Healthwatch to continue gathering feedback and supporting residents to ensure digital healthcare services are accessible and inclusive for all.
