Health
The Scottish Executive has funded the development of a Patient Record for Personal Health (PRPH and also known as the Handheld Health Record) for Gypsies/Travellers in recognition of their lifestyles and the difficulties they can experience in accessing health services. This has been delivered as part of the work programme of the National Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Health (NRCEMH).
The NRCEMH developed the Patient Record for Personal Health in partnership with Gypsy/Traveller communities. The Record was officially launched at the first meeting of the Executive's Strategic Group on Gypsies/Travellers. The PRHP is now being rolled out across the country. A health needs assessment is also being carried out with Gypsy/Traveller communities to ascertain their particular health needs, and how best to maximise their access to health information and health services.
The PRHP will allow for greater continuity of care for Gypsies/Travellers. It is anticipated that most Scottish Gypsies/Travellers will carry the Record, especially when they are away from their home base, travelling for social, business or other reasons.
The effectiveness of the PRPH will be reviewed after a reasonable period of usage.