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Access to Health Care
There are a number of reasons why Gypsies and Travellers have difficulty gaining access to health care.
Many Gypsies and Travellers are subject to a life of continual eviction in circumstances where there are not enough suitable places for them to camp.
The bureaucracy associated with the National Health Service (NHS) also causes problems; for example, the completion of forms and the provision of information, such as dates of birth and history of previous health care, cause difficulties for illiterate Gypsies and Travellers.
In addition, some Gypsies and Travellers still experience discrimination at the hands of health care professionals. It seems that there is a general lack of cultural awareness on the part of service providers that can lead to discrimination and prejudice. For example, there are some GP surgeries that are still reluctant to register Gypsies and Travellers without a permanent address.
Under the National Health Service Act 1977 everyone has a right to healthcare provided by the NHS. What this means in practice is that no hospital should ever turn away someone who is the victim of an accident or illness, whoever that person may be and whether or not they have paid any national insurance contributions. However, only certain dental treatment and prescriptions are free or available at a reduced price if you are a child, someone who suffers from a long-term illness or disability (such as diabetes), or if you receive income support, a pension or family credit.
Although many Gypsies and Travellers go to casualty departments when they have an accident or illness, if Gypsies and Travellers can expect to be able to stay in an area for more than a few weeks, they can try to register with a local GP if they have any health problems that need attention.
Lists of doctors are available at main Post Offices. Some doctors are prevented from taking extra people onto their register if it is already too long and you may have to go to several doctors before you find one that will allow you to register with him or her. If you are turned down by all doctors, whether or not it is because you are a Gypsy or Traveller, contact the local Primary Care Trust and tell them you have been rejected by all doctors, the reasons you have been given and any other reasons you consider relevant.
Many Gypsies and Travellers are subject to a life of continual eviction in circumstances where there are not enough suitable places for them to camp.
The bureaucracy associated with the National Health Service (NHS) also causes problems; for example, the completion of forms and the provision of information, such as dates of birth and history of previous health care, cause difficulties for illiterate Gypsies and Travellers.
In addition, some Gypsies and Travellers still experience discrimination at the hands of health care professionals. It seems that there is a general lack of cultural awareness on the part of service providers that can lead to discrimination and prejudice. For example, there are some GP surgeries that are still reluctant to register Gypsies and Travellers without a permanent address.
Under the National Health Service Act 1977 everyone has a right to healthcare provided by the NHS. What this means in practice is that no hospital should ever turn away someone who is the victim of an accident or illness, whoever that person may be and whether or not they have paid any national insurance contributions. However, only certain dental treatment and prescriptions are free or available at a reduced price if you are a child, someone who suffers from a long-term illness or disability (such as diabetes), or if you receive income support, a pension or family credit.
Although many Gypsies and Travellers go to casualty departments when they have an accident or illness, if Gypsies and Travellers can expect to be able to stay in an area for more than a few weeks, they can try to register with a local GP if they have any health problems that need attention.
Lists of doctors are available at main Post Offices. Some doctors are prevented from taking extra people onto their register if it is already too long and you may have to go to several doctors before you find one that will allow you to register with him or her. If you are turned down by all doctors, whether or not it is because you are a Gypsy or Traveller, contact the local Primary Care Trust and tell them you have been rejected by all doctors, the reasons you have been given and any other reasons you consider relevant.
