An evaluation of a local Gypsy and Traveller Health Improvement Project

Gypsies and Traveller community members belong to a community that has been described as the most excluded in the UK. Furthermore, the health status of this community is considerably poorer than other English speaking ethnic minority groups. Gypsy and Traveller communities in Britain experience wide-ranging inequalities, notably in relation to health. In recognition of this, one CCG within West Yorkshire has employed a specialist outreach nurse to work with the local Traveller and Gypsy community, with a remit to improve the health of this population, initially over a one-year period, subsequently extended to two years. This work is being evaluated by Leeds Beckett University, who will present the early qualitative findings from this on-going evaluation. So far the data shows that the community members face numerous barriers to accessing services, report complex health needs and will work with the outreach nurse, whose role is perceived as acceptable. Her work is also resulting in self-reported health improvements. A key lesson from the implementation of this model of care thus far is the importance of trust in successfully implementing such an intervention.