Government call for more gypsy NHS care

12:42pm Thursday 7th February 2008

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MORE efforts need to be made by the NHS and councils to address the health needs of gypsies and travellers, a Government reported released today states.

The recommendation is included in major report released today on improving the mental and physical well-being of people in the South East.

It states "joint strategic needs assessments" had to include "include intelligence on the health needs of excluded groups, for example black and minority ethnic groups and gypsies and travellers".

The South East England Health Strategy also says children should have lessons in "challenging cultural norms" and "communication and conflict resolution skills".

Obesity is high on the agenda for the strategy, which aims to reach out to voluntary and Government-funded organisations.

Among the other "key actions" are: More use of community pharmacies to help people stop smoking on the NHS.

A higher use of statins for people with heart disease.

More "weight management programmes".

Efforts to create areas "more conductive to physical activity".

Ensuring "full refurbishment of play areas as well as expand existing provision of play areas".

More routine enquiries about domestic abuse and violence by NHS staff.

A regional action plan to reduce obesity.

To increase breastfeeding rates.

Get more people to use "parenting skills programmes" for children "psychological or conduct disorders".

Identifying depression earlier in older people.

The strategy looks at six areas: health inequalities, sustainability, safer communities, employment and health, children and young people and later life.

Jonathan Shaw, Regional Minister for the South East: "Health is everyone's business.

"Although we have some of the healthiest communities in the UK, we also have some communities and groups who experience shocking health inequalities.

"Across the South East, differences in life expectancy of ten or more years can be found.

"Through this strategy, we aim to reduce the inequalities in health that exist between geographical areas and population groups across the region."