Today, NHS England has taken a significant positive step by recommending that health bodies across the UKÂ include Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller people in patient data, aligning records with the 2021 census.
This landmark decision is the result of 15 years of tireless campaigning by Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT), alongside many dedicated activists and partners.
The shift in data records marks a crucial victory for upholding the rights of Romany Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, ensuring that healthcare institutions can better understand, support, and tailor their services to meet the needs of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller patients.
For too long, people from a Gypsy, Roma, or Traveller background have largely gone unrecorded in official health statistics, despite experiencing some of the worst health outcomes in the UK.Â
Research consistently shows that individuals from these communities have significantly lower life expectancy, higher maternal mortality rates, increased prevalence of long-term illnesses, and are approximately six times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.Â
We call on NHS England to roll out a full implementation of bringing health records in line with the UK census, as soon as possible.
While FFT celebrates the important shift in record collection, we acknowledge the distinct identities within these communitiesâRomany Gypsies, Irish Travellers, New Travellers, Liveaboard Boaters, Showmen and Romaâand recognise the importance of disaggregating data to reflect specific experiences and needs.
Without disaggregated data, the picture remains incomplete, and support structures hampered. We support further measures to refine data collection and ensure targeted, effective healthcare support for all.Â
On learning the news calling for health data records to come in line with census categories, Chief Executive Officer at Friends, Families and Travellers, Sarah Mann remarked:
âWe warmly welcome this long-overdue recognition of maintaining correct health data recording of Romany Gypsy, Traveller and Roma peopleâs experiences, and urge national systems and structures to follow the golden thread and roll out full disaggregation.
We will continue working towards achieving full health equity for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, alongside our partners.â
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About Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT)
Friends, Families and Travellers is a leading national charity that works to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life.
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