Travellers suffer in healthcare settings 'due to racism and discrimination'

Among the attendance at the launch of the study were Winnie McDonnell, Pavee Point; Lena Lawrence, Balbriggan Travellers; Patricia Fox, UCD; Triona Bracken, Pavee Point; Bridgie Nevin, Coolock PHC; Pauline McDonnell, Pavee Point; Lynsey Kavanagh, Co Director, Pavee Point; Oonagh Kennedy, National Cancer Control Programme, HSE; Winnie McDonagh, Drogheda; Ellen McDonagh, Balbriggan; and Prof Kate Frazer, UCD. Picture: PaveePoint.ie

A first-of-its-kind study on Traveller health and cancer has found that racism and poverty are still barriers to treatment, despite more Travellers going for screening than non-Travellers in Ireland.

The authors called for investment in “culturally sensitive, well-resourced” health staff and services to help overcome these barriers.