Issue - meetings

To review the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boater Strategy 2020-2025 for Wiltshire ahead of it being presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board in April 2020.

Consideration was given to a report by Dr Michael Allum, Public Health Specialty Registrar, which sought support for the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boater Strategy ahead of its consideration by the Health & Wellbeing Board in April 2020.

It was noted that Travellers experienced significant inequalities throughout all stages of life. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people experienced the worst health outcomes of any ethnic group and the average life expectancy was 10-12 years less than the general population. Higher rates of miscarriage, a greater proportion of individuals with long-term health conditions, and higher rates of depression and suicide were just some of the inequalities experienced by these communities.

It was most important that all public organisations addressed these health inequalities so that all individuals had the same opportunities to live healthy lives no matter their background.

Members fully supported the Strategy and hoped that opportunities would be taken to ensure that health care needs of the Group were met. Irene Kohler expressed an interest in receiving details as to how consultations were carried out and stated that Healthwatch Wiltshire would be pleased to help. Dr Allum suggested that consultation was best carried out by community engagement. A questionnaire had been prepared and circulated widely but the response so far had not been great; it was hoped that the response rate would improve. 

After further discussion, during which Members considered that the Strategy should be widely circulated.

Resolved:

(1)          That the Health Select Committee supports the proposed Wiltshire Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boater Strategy 2020-2025, based on the July 2019 Health Needs Assessment for Gypsy, Traveller and Boater Populations Living in Wiltshire.

(2)          That when the Strategy is presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board, all councillors are notified (could be through a briefing note) and the Strategy is well promoted to all councillors.