There are striking inequalities in the health of Gypsies and Travellers, even when compared with people from other ethnic minorities or from socio-economically deprived White UK groups. In this paper we explore the long-term health impact associated with a history of persecution, social pathologisation and social exclusion of Gypsies and Travellers. A society that has demonstrated entrenched and widespread hostility towards Gypsies and Travellers has contributed to wariness about trust in outsiders and contributes to the communication barriers with health staff that are implicated in their poor access to healthcare. Many of the problems identified by health staff mirrored those identified by Gypsies and Travellers, particularly with regards to mismatched expectations and resulting conflicts. Whilst the Department of Health has recognised the extreme health inequalities experienced by Gypsies and Travellers and the need for specific action to reduce them and improve access to health care, this paper emphasises the need for an associated improved effort at all levels to seriously tackle the wider determinants of health, including societal attitudes towards Gypsies and Travellers, as well as focusing on delivery of health services. Nurses are identified as needing to play a key part as role models in challenging prejudice and discrimination.
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