Rural and remote obstetric care close to home: program description, evaluation and discussion of Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre obstetrics.

PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED: Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women in rural and remote settings struggle to access obstetric care close to home. Objective of the program: To deliver a full range of modern and safe obstetric care to 28 remote Aboriginal communities served by rural-based health care. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Rural family physicians provide intrapartum, cesarean delivery and anesthesia services to 350 rural, primarily Aboriginal women in a collegial, supportive environment. CONCLUSION: Rural and remote obstetric services need support before they fail. Patient volume, remote location and organizational culture are key elements. Evidence teaches us that outcomes are best when women deliver closer to home.