SURGICAL SERVICES IN RURAL HOSPITALS
MAF Policy Technical Paper 94/12
ISSN: 0-478-07373-9
ISBN: 1171-4662
Prepared by the Rural Resources Unit
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries
Wellington
December 1994
(This paper was written in June 1994)
Introductory Note
This report was prepared in response to a request from the Minister of Agriculture to examine the guidelines used to assess hospitals, and to determine whether these guidelines disadvantaged rural hospitals.
In carrying out this task, it became clear that the NSW guidelines used to assess hospital services were only one of the factors influencing decisions about what level of services were provided in rural hospitals. Thus the scope of this report was broadened and an attempt made to identify and discuss these other factors.
However, the report makes no pretence to being an exhaustive treatment of what are very complex issues. Only certain aspects of the health reforms are addressed in this paper. To provide a more comprehensive picture, further analysis of the current situation and directions for the health and disability sector is required.
While some issues and options are presented, there are no simple answers. The future of rural hospitals will be decided on a case by case basis. The only certainty is that consultation with the local community will play a crucial role in obtaining a satisfactory outcome.
It is important to note that, since this report was written, further developments have occurred. Key among these is the introduction by the Minister of Health of Management of Change protocols that require RHAs and CHEs to take account of issues concerning rural access as part of the management of change process. Also, additional funding has been provided to CHEs to improve access to secondary and tertiary services, while a portion of CHE debt has been written down. This paper reflects developments up to June 1994 only.
This report was prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries as part of its brief to ensure adequate access to information and basic services for rural communities. It should be noted that this has therefore been written from the perspective of a Ministry more familiar with rural issues than health issues per se. Nevertheless, the Ministry considers the report to be a valid contribution to the current discussion on the future of rural health services.
Statement from Ministry of Health
The information in this report:
| A. | does not necessarily reflect Government health policy, and |
| B. | was prepared without full input from key Government health advisers. |
Subsequent to the report being written, the Ministry of Health has had the opportunity to correct and clarify information in the report.
Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
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