Technical Report - Donegal Traveller's Project

Health Survey FindingsThe Primary Health Care for Travellers Projectas a Model of Good Practice‘There are no simple and obvious solutions to the health situation of Travellers but it is a situation which callsfor a creative and innovative approach. I believe such an approach has been found with the Primary HealthCare for Travellers project, which is a joint initiative between the Eastern Health Board and Pavee Point.’Mr. Brian Cowen, Minister for Health, on presentation of certificates to the Community Healthworkers in Pavee Point on 8th May 1998Primary Health Care for Travellers Projects are described as the ‘cornerstone’ of the National TravellerHealth Strategy (Department of Health and Children, 2002). This reflects a growing recognition of thebenefits of Primary Health Care Projects and an understanding that by respecting and acknowledgingthe distinct culture and identity of Travellers, more equitable, sustainable and cost effective healthcare can be achieved. The PHCTP have received international recognition for their work on promotinghealth:‘For achievement worthy of international recognition, this WHO 50th anniversary commemorative certificatefor a national community-based health project that promotes health for all values of equity, solidarity,participation, intersectoral approaches and partnership is awarded to the ‘Primary Health Care for TravellersProject, Dublin, Ireland’’.Jo Asvall, M.D. Regional Director, WHO Regional Office for Europe, September 1998The following are examples of positive health initiatives and outcomes that have arisen from the PHCTP:• Culturally appropriate health education materials have been designed by the project. Postershave been produced covering Traveller health status, breastfeeding, care of burns, nutrition andoral health. The posters give key messages in a culturally appropriate way, they increase visibility ineducation materials and can be displayed in surgeries and clinics. Videos have also been producedby the project. Health education sessions delivered by the Community Health Workers on site, havemade health information more accessible and culturally appropriate and address the language andculture gaps that exist.• Research has been undertaken on Traveller women’s reproductive health. A training videoPavee Beoirs-Her Reproductive Health has also been produced with an accompanying informationbooklet.• Well Woman clinics specifically targeted at Traveller women have been organised. These clinicsfacilitated access for Traveller women for the first time to breast screening and family planningfacilities. These special clinics are supported on an interim basis while Traveller women build upconfidence and knowledge of the service. Community Health Care Workers will make a blockbooking at the clinic for a group of interested Traveller women and accompany them to the clinic.Many women are now independently accessing the service. The project continues to lobby for thislevel of service in the local area.25