The health status of Gypsies and Travellers is much poorer than that of the general population, even when controlling for confounding factors such as variable socio-economic status and/or ethnicity. Gypsy and Traveller health receives scant attention in policy documents on health inequalities, and meaning that problems of poor access to, and uptake of, health services may go unnoticed. This paper draws attention to some examples of good practice, and argues that these should to be funded and replicated across more localities.
Key messages:
- The health status of Gypsies and Travellers is much poorer than that of the general population, even when controlling for confounding factors such as variable socio-economic status and/or ethnicity
- Poor access to, and uptake of, health services is a major factor in Gypsy and Traveller health
- Gypsy and Traveller health receives scant attention in policy documents on health inequalities
- Examples of good practice exist, but these need to be funded and replicated across more localities
Sections:
- Poorer health than other ethnic groups
- Poor access to and take-up of services
- Scant attention in policy documents
- Replicating and disseminating good practice
Author(s): Zoe Matthews
Briefing series: Better Health Briefing Paper 12
Publisher: Race Equality Foundation
Publication date: November 2008
