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An Institute of Rural Health study has found rural Maori women need better access to lead maternity carers.
The study the interviewed women in the Midland region, which covers the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti, Lakes and Taranaki district health boards.
One of the authors, Professor Ross Lawrenson, says the increasing centralisation of health services is a challenge for rural patients and consumers of health care.
He says what consumers consider important is access to services, an emphasis on the quality of care including consideration of cultural needs, the information needs of consumers, and the importance of family or whanau as partners in the care of pregnant women.
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