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Primary Health Care: Travellers

Question for Department of Health and Social Care

UIN HL1691, tabled on 16 October 2024

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to improve access to digital primary healthcare services for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.

Answered on

30 October 2024

We know that patients are struggling to access general practice, and that these struggles can be particularly acute in inclusion health groups such as Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

We want to ensure digital healthcare services are available to those who need them. and all practices are now required to offer online and video consultation tools, secure electronic communication methods, and online facilities to provide and update personal information.

However, we are clear that all online tools must be provided as an additional option, not as a replacement for more accessible channels like telephone or reception services. This ensures that individuals without access to digital technology, including those from disadvantaged groups, are not excluded and can choose the method of communication that works best for them. All patients should be treated equitably no matter what route they access general practice.