Agenda item

(1)       This report described various health inequalities experienced by the Gypsy and Traveller Communities in Kent and joint working to address these.  Mr Casson said that there was little reliable scientific and statistical data available about the health of the Gypsy and Traveller populations, both nationally and locally.  The most significant reliable information nationally was a report undertaken in 2004 by the University of Sheffield on behalf of the Department of Health.  Broadly, the findings were that the overall health status of gypsies and travellers was relatively poor in comparison with other disadvantage groups and very poor compared with the general population.  Also, certain health conditions and illnesses were significant for gypsy and traveller adults; these included anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, depression and long term illness. 

(2)       There were also significant health issues for children, many relating to lack of immunisation.  In addition there were considerable risks to mothers and their babies leading up, at, or just after birth.  Also, life expectancy could be very low with one study in Leeds revealing that there was a life expectancy amongst the Gypsy and Traveller community of just 50 years, which Mr Lemon said that was a startling statistic within a developed country.  Health and inequalities was therefore a big priority and strong efforts needed to be taken in order to address and identify health issues.  KCC was playing its part in this by developing strategies through its Public Health Strategy. 

(3)       Mr Lemon said that a workshop on gypsy and traveller health involving a number of agencies and community members took place in January 2008.  A number of work streams emerged from that meeting and these were detailed in the report.  In particular Mr Lemon said that the newly established Public Health Observatory could collate currently available gypsy and traveller health data, so that partners could identify what was missing and consider how best to fill the gap.  In addition a County Council Health Care Select Committee was in the process of being constituted and possibly within its terms of reference could be referenced evidence on Gypsy and Traveller health equalities.

(4)       There was also a need to improve awareness amongst Health and Social Care professionals of these communities and their needs.  The County Council’s Health colleagues were considering how best to achieve that and internally the Gypsy and Traveller Unit was having discussions with colleagues with a view to establishing a familarisation course for KCC staff, initially for those in Kent Adult Social Services who provide services to these communities.  Alongside this, there was a need to identify those healthcare professionals that had expertise and an awareness of gypsies and travellers, their culture and their medical needs.  A number of healthcare staff who have regularly dealt with these communities have already been identified by PCT colleagues.  There is also a proposal to introduce a Gypsy and Traveller Health passport which can be kept and presented to healthcare professionals wherever the gypsy or traveller may be.

(5)       Following further discussion, the Advisory Board endorsed the approach outlined in the report and agreed that it would be useful to include evidence on gypsy and traveller health outcomes and equalities to the planned Select Committee on Access to Healthcare.