Traveller Health Practice Points 2026 - Part 2

Registration is now open for The 2026 IGNITE Network of Trainees Conference taking place on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th November, at Johnstown Estate. Links:

• Programme
• Registration portal

Participants

• Breda O’Donoghue – Director for Advocacy, Traveller Visibility Group, Cork
• Dr Eleanor Donnelly – GP Registrar, Western GP Training Scheme
• Dr Una Kennedy, GP Advisor to National Cancer Control Programme
• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

In this second episode in our two-part series, Dr John Maher is joined by Breda O’Donoghue, Dr Eleanor Donnelly and Dr Una Kennedy, Co-Authors of the Irish College of GPs’ "Traveller Health Practice Points"document, published in March 2026.

In today's episode, we discuss topics including:

• Simple measures that GPs can take to help break down barriers to equitable healthcare access;
• Specific health needs of the Traveller population, including genetic and inherited conditions, and
• Health promotion including cancer risk factor attenuation and screening, immunisation programme participation, and healthy lifestyle advice.

Links

See the Practice Points document for a more comprehensive suite of links and resources

• "Traveller Health Practice Points" - Irish College of GPs, March 2026
• National Adult Literacy Agency – HCP Section
• Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre
• HSE Traveller Pregnancy Resource
• HSE Introduction to Traveller Training
• National Traveller Mental Health Service
• Traveller Counselling Service
• Mind Your Nuck – Young Traveller Mental Health

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.