Health Services
[Private health insurance] [Difficulties getting health care] [Emergency department presentations] [Hospital admissions] [Community health centres] [Public dental services]
Introduction
Appropriate and reliable access to population based services and facilities such as health, education, social, transport and recreation is essential for protecting and promoting health. Health Services, especially those that focus on maintaining and promoting health, are designed to prevent disease and injury and so contribute greatly to improving population health. Communities most at risk of ill health tend to access these types of preventive services less than lower risk communities1.
- Many factors influence access to health care including:
- Geographic distribution and availability of services, especially in rural and remote areas;
- Availability and expertise of staff;
- Range and quality of facilities;
- Cultural sensitivity of the service;
- Availability of affordable and safe means of transport to and from the service;
- Cost of referrals and treatments;
1. Northern Rivers Health Equity Working Group. Northern Rivers Equity Profile – Phase 1 Northern Rivers Area Health Service: Lismore, September 2003.
| Suggested citation of this publication: | Population Health, Planning and Performance Directorate, North Coast Area Health Profile. North Coast Area Health Service, Lismore. Available at: . Accessed (insert date of access). |
| Produced by: | Public Health Unit (Population Health, Planning and Performance Directorate), North Coast Area Health Service. |