Could we care for Amillia in rural Australia?
Extremely premature and very low birth weight infants have multiple, costly and complex health and developmental issues. After the neonatal period, the best chance for these children to avoid extreme disability and dependence, and thereby reach their potential, is with timely and intensive early intervention by appropriate allied health services, such as speech, occupational and physiotherapy. However, currently in rural Australia, such children are further disadvantaged by their relative lack of access to appropriate types and levels of services, compared with their urban counterparts.
Doherty
Steven R
SR
Rural Clinical School, University of Newcastle, Tamworth NEMSC, Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. drsrd@bigpond.net.au
D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D009517:New South Wales; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*