A B S T R A C T
Objectives: This study investigates (i) maternity care access issues in rural Tasmania, (ii) rural women’s
challenges in accessing maternity services and (iii) rural women’s access needs in maternity services.
Methods: A mixed-method approach using a survey and semi-structured interviews was conducted. The
survey explored women’s views of rural maternity services from antenatal to postnatal care, while
interviews reinforced the survey results and provided insights into the access issues and needs of women
in maternity care.
Findings: The survey was completed by n = 210 women, with a response rate of 35%, with n = 22 followup interviews being conducted. The survey indicated the majority of rural women believed antenatal
education and check-ups and postnatal check-ups should be provided locally. The majority of women
surveyed also believed in the importance of having a maternity unit in the local hospital, which was
further iterated and clarified within the interviews. Three main themes emerged from the interview
data, namely (i) lack of access to maternity services, (ii) difficulties in accessing maternity services, and
(iii) rural women’s access needs.
Conclusion: The study suggested that women’s access needs are not fully met in some rural areas of
Tasmania. Rural women face many challenges when accessing maternity services, including financial
burden and risk of labouring en route. The study supports the claim that the closure of rural maternity
units shifts cost and risk from the health care system to rural women and their families.
2013 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Australia (a division of Reed International