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Beliefs about the treatment of illness and Traditional Medicine
Essential Practice Point 2
- Many Travellers have strong beliefs about the power of prayer and many wear icons of religious figures and relics of various saints (See Personal items for more information).
- There is a rich heritage of traditional or folk healing practices among Travellers, some of which are similar to practices indicated in the section on Traditional and Ancient Religions. Travellers also hold strong beliefs in the healing power of water taken from holy wells as well as oils/ointments infused with particular herbal remedies prepared by traditional healers.
- Some community members have knowledge of cures for particular conditions, such as thrush, warts, etc. This is given by the healer as a service to others, usually without payment. The healers may be visited by community members who have these ailments. Community members in hospital may have 'cures' sourced from healers for a particular condition.
- Travellers tend to respect medical opinion in addition to retaining their belief in the power of traditional cures and religious practices (detailed below), prayer and relics. It is advised to check if the person is using any traditional remedies in addition to medical prescriptions.
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- Situations may arise where traditional healers wish to use hands-on healing and this may conflict with medical requirements that necessitate that a wounded area is not touched. Should this arise, discussion will be needed so that a mutual solution can be found that satisfies a family.
Religious practices
Essential Practice Point 3
Travellers are likely to welcome the support of the Roman Catholic Chaplain who will also administer all necessary religious ceremonies, practices and rituals related to illness and death. Others may also wish to see a priest that they have developed a relationship with over the years.
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Treatment needs
Essential Practice Point 4
Due to the literacy issues highlighted above, plain English is necessary in any communication about healthcare issues. Written instructions such as prescriptions need to be explained verbally.
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Blood Transfusion and Organ Transplantation
- There are unlikely to be objections to these procedures.
- Consideration needs to be given to literacy issues if documentation is to be signed or consent sought for any of these procedures.
