Traveller research wins 2009 RCN Akinsanya Award
Published: 27 March 2009
The Royal College of Nursing Research Society today announced Dr Patrice Van Cleemput as the winner of the Akinsanya Award 2009 for Innovation in Doctoral Scholarship in Nursing.
The winning project, Gypsies and travellers accessing primary health care: interactions with health staff and requirements for "culturally safe" services, explores the barriers which prevent travelling communities in England from accessing health care services. Key findings indicate that low expectations, poor experiences of services and communication problems between travellers and health staff stand in the way of access to health care.
Award-winner Dr Patrice Van Cleemput said:
"I am delighted that my work has received this excellent recognition. Having worked with the travelling community as a specialist health visitor, I feel it is crucial that the barriers that prevent this marginalised group from accessing appropriate healthcare are understood so a timely solution can be sought."
Chief Executive and General Secretary of the RCN, Dr Peter Carter said:
"Once again the standards of this year's entries demonstrate the vital role nursing research is playing in improving healthcare across the board. There is an undeniable link between social exclusion and poor health - Dr Van Cleemput's research offers a valuable insight which could provide a real opportunity to improve the health prospects of this often socially excluded group."
The Akinsanya Award is granted to the most innovative thesis in nursing disciplines. It aims to celebrate and promote excellence in nursing scholarship, innovation and its potential to influence health policy and practice.
Further information
To find out more on the RCN Research Society and Akinsanya Awards, go to:
RCN Research Society awards