Improving the health of Gypsies and Travellers

01 Jan 2015

Gypsies and Travellers continue to experience some of the poorest health outcomes in our society, including the lowest life expectancy of any group in the UK and high infant mortality rates. 

Urgent action is required by Government to address the wider social determinates (particularly accommodation) of Gypsies’ and Travellers’ health; the effective commissioning of health services to these communities; their inclusion in NHS data monitoring systems and up-to-date research and the need for community engagement training to frontline staff engaging these groups.  Effective policy measures addressing Gypsies’ and Travellers’ health will not only improve health and wellbeing outcomes but also reduce pressure on local health services and the financial burdens associated with high levels of poor health.