Celebrating 30 Years of Primary Healthcare for Travellers Projects
On December 11th, 2024, a national conference was held in Croke Park to celebrate three decades of the Primary Healthcare for Travellers Projects (PHCTPs) in Ireland. Organised by the HSE National Traveller Health Implementation Group, the National Traveller Health Network, and Pavee Point, the event reflected on the history of these projects and explored their future sustainability.
*Above attendees at the conference
Key Highlights from the Conference
- Opening Address by Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE Bernard Gloster acknowledged the vital contributions of PHCTPs, emphasising the unique role of Traveller healthcare workers who advocate for their own communities. He thanked them for their dedication, saying:
“You are of your community, you are from your community, and you are for your community.”
- Historical Insights and Personal Stories Dr. Missie Collins, a founding member, shared her experiences as a Traveller woman in setting up the projects. In conversation with Ann Friel, she recounted early negotiations with the Eastern Health Board and ongoing efforts to support Traveller families.
- Panel Discussions and Workshops
- A panel of PHCTP workers highlighted the importance of advocacy, grounded in community trust and firsthand knowledge. They addressed challenges like racism, discrimination, and the need for a collaborative approach to tackle the social determinants of Traveller health.
- Another panel, featuring both Travellers and HSE staff, discussed how PHCTPs are uniquely positioned to address Traveller health issues. They emphasised the projects’ flexibility, community access, and the critical need for sustainability and training.
- Commitment to Sustainability Martina Queally, REO for Dublin and the South East, expressed her commitment to working with colleagues to secure ongoing support for PHCTPs. She praised the projects’ community-driven and peer-led education model, which has been key to their success.
Themes and Takeaways
The event underscored the:
- Unique role of PHCTPs in addressing Traveller health needs.
- Value of partnerships between Travellers, Traveller organisations, and the HSE.
- Impact of racism and discrimination on Traveller health and mental health.
- Importance of addressing social determinants of health through a collaborative, interagency approach.
- Need to properly resource PHCTPs to ensure their sustainability.
Closing Remarks
Brigid Quilligan, Manager of Kerry Traveller Health & Community Development Project, highlighted the projects’ achievements over the past 30 years. She stressed the importance of addressing key challenges such as pay parity, worker terms and conditions, training opportunities, and long-term funding to sustain these essential services.
This conference, part of the National Traveller Health Action Plan, reflects a shared commitment to reducing health inequalities and building a sustainable future for Traveller healthcare in Ireland.
Attendees included representatives from Traveller organisations, PHCTPs across the country, the HSE, community and voluntary groups, educational institutions, and the Department of Health.