Preparation study of gypsy/traveller health needs

A health needs assessment for Gypsy and Traveller communities in Kent would ideally describe the size of traveller population, patterns of health and illness experienced, uptake of health services and the outcomes from these encounters. However, precise numbers and locations of the traveller population in Kent are not available. Although accommodation needs assessments have been carried out regarding the number of pitches and sites, there is a lack of comprehensive data because to date neither the Census nor the NHS has recorded Gypsies or Travellers as a distinct ethnic category. There is no up to date local health profile of Gypsies and Travellers or readily available data on how this community uses health services.