Regionalization

This article speaks to the unfortunate effects of regionalization on women's health. Indicates how regionalization shapes the birth experiences of women in many areas of Canada. Introduces The Project on Out-of-Town Birth research project.  A survey of health professionals reviewed. 

This article is an interview with Doreen Hamilton, a public health nurse who was the Maternal and Child Health Consultant with the Toronto Public Health Department and sat as a member of the Joint Committee on High-Risk Pregnancy; The committee produced a report calling for the establishment of a regionalized perinatal network in Toronto along the lines of a programme that was operating in Cleveland, Ohio at the time. In this interview, she shares her critical experience of the health planning process.

Book review of Michael Decter and Francesca Grosso's "Navigating Canada's Health Care: A User Guide to Getting the Health Care you need," discussing the regionalization of health care and how your health needs may not determine your access to care but rather your location.

Examines rural women's experiences of maternity care in the context of health care restructuring and regionalization.

Discusses how rural women's work environments are being effected by change and restructuring. Demonstrates how their quality of life may be at risk due to reduced resources, increased expectations, etc. Also discusses regionalization of health care and its effects on health care services in rural communities.  (For more information, please visit Dr. Skillen's website at: www.nursing.ualberta.ca/skillen)