The distribution of maternity services across rural and remote Australia: does it reflect population need?

Background: Australia has a universal health care system and a comprehensive safety net. Despite this, outcomes for Australians living in rural and remote areas are worse than those living in cities. This study will examine the current state of equity of access to birthing services for women living in small communities in rural and remote Australia from a population perspective and investigates whether services are distributed according to need.

The impact of heat on mortality and morbidity in the Greater Metropolitan Sydney Region: a case crossover analysis.

Background: This study examined the association between unusually high temperature and daily mortality (1997-2007) and hospital admissions (1997-2010) in the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Region (GMR) to assist in the development of targeted health programs designed to minimise the public health impact of extreme heat.

Methods: Sydney GMR was categorized into five climate zones. Heat-events were defined as severe or extreme.