Making health and care easier to access: Experiences from the Mycenae House Wellbeing Group

Using Easy Read questions, residents shared what helps them access care and the barriers they can face when communicating with healthcare professionals.

Residents described positive experiences when healthcare professionals adapted their approach to meet individual needs. Taking time to explain information clearly, checking understanding and using visual aids such as pictures helped residents feel more confident, included and involved in decisions about their care. These approaches reduced anxiety and made appointments easier to understand and navigate.

The discussion also explored digital inclusion and communication preferences. While some residents were receiving support to use NHS apps and other digital tools, they explained that digital access does not remove every communication barrier. Many valued having a choice in how they receive information, including letters or speaking directly with healthcare staff.

The findings highlight the importance of personalised communication, accessible information and flexible approaches that enable residents to access services independently with greater confidence and control.