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Please refer to the full text of the highlighted points related to the following summary points.
1 General cultural features and social experience:
Travellers tend to experience discrimination and racism in service provision. Members need to be treated with dignity, respect and non-discrimination in healthcare settings in line with current equality legislation. (Fulltext of Essential Point 1 General cultural features and social experience)
2 Beliefs about the treatment of illness and Traditional Medicine:
Many Travellers have strong beliefs in the power of prayer, religious icons and holy water. In addition to their respect for Western medicine many tend to use traditional folk healing practices including oils, ointments and cures. These beliefs, including any folk healing remedies that the person carries and religious symbols, need to be treated with respect. It is advised to check if the person is using any traditional remedies in addition to medical prescriptions. (Fulltext of Essential Point 2 Beliefs about the treatment of illness and Traditional Medicine)
3 Religious practices:
Roman Catholic ceremonies, religious practices and rituals will usually apply for illness and death. The Roman Catholic chaplain can be called on to provide or source religious support as needed. (Fulltext of Essential Point 3 Religious practices)
4 Treatment needs:
Many Travellers, particularly older community members, experience difficulties in relation to literacy. Any written treatment requirements, including prescriptions for medication, should also be explained verbally. (Fulltext of Essential Point 4 Treatment needs)
5 Family and community visits:
An ill or dying Traveller is likely to have a high volume of visitors. Ascertain who will represent the family and mediate in interactions with hospital staff. (Fulltext of Essential Point 5 Family and community visits)
6 Death-related religious rituals:
The Roman Catholic chaplain or, if preferred, the person's own priest should be called to administer religious services. (Fulltext of Essential Point 6 Death-related religious rituals)
7 Initiation ritual/infant baptism:
Travellers are likely to want to have their child baptised if there is a threat to life. See Roman Catholic section for details of this practice. (Fulltext of Essential Point 7 Initiation ritual/infant baptism)
