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<p>We recognise the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable groups such as
Gypsies and Travellers as part of our wider work on tackling health inequalities.
We share the concerns of the <em>Hidden Needs: Identifying Key Vulnerable Groups in
Data Collection</em> (2014) report, which identified the poor health experiences of
some Gypsy and Traveller groups making them particularly vulnerable in terms of much
higher rates of mortality and morbidity than the general population.</p><p> </p><p>The
National Inclusion Health Board championed more effective local action to address
these concerns. This included encouraging better local planning and commissioning
of services, and improving access to them.</p><p> </p><p>Earlier this year, we published
the board’s report <em>Impact of insecure accommodation and the living environment
on Gypsies’ and Travellers’ health</em> (2016).This report built on concerns in earlier
reports about the vulnerability of this group and sets out suggested actions to improve
the living conditions and health outcomes of Gypsies and Travellers. It calls for
more joined up working by local authorities, the National Health Service and responsible
health agencies, and local public health services, and emphasises the importance of
building greater community cohesion to address some of the key obstacles to the development
of a healthy and sustainable environment for Gypsy and Traveller families. A copy
of the report is attached.</p>
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