Travellers Health Service

Herefordshire Travellers' Health Project was set up to address the serious inequalities in health that have been identified in this community.

This work has identified three main groups of Travellers i.e.

• Traditional or Romany Travellers
• Irish Travellers
• New Travellers

These groups live in a variety of settings. Herefordshire also attracts a high number of migrant workers during the fruit-picking season.

These communities are mainly concentrated in the north of the county.

Estimates of community sizes vary and the numbers fluctuate, but the travelling community represents a large minority ethnic group within Herefordshire.

Health problems identified are:

• Life expectancy is shorter
• Chronic disease is more common
• Rates of ischaemic heart disease are higher
• Depression is more likely
• Peri-natal and childhood health needs are higher

Lower levels of literacy and a nomadic lifestyle have compounded these problem.

Travellers' Health Project was established as a Personal Medical Service (PMS) in 2000 initially funded for 3 years, in December 2003  it  received continuity of funding.

The service aims to improve Traveller health care experiences:

• Taking advice and support to the communities

Mobile Unit

Provides outreach clinics  and visits a range of sites within the county. For more information please contact the team on Hereford 01568 617318.

The service can help and advise on many aspects of providing care and support to the Travelling community. Referrals can be made by a third party or by travellers themselves by contacting Nicki Howard, lead Nurse.

• Team base number 01568 617318
• Email travellers.health@herefordpct.nhs.uk
• Mobile number 07813 104707