The evaluation of transferred health care services in Wunnimin Lake, Wapekeka and Kingfisher Lake first Nations: a nursing perspective
Hiebert, S.; Angees, E.; Young, T.K.; O'Neil, J.D.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health 60(4): 473-478
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1239-9736 PMID: 11768421 Document Number: 533932
The Canadian federal government initiated the policy to transfer administrative control of health services to First Nations communities in the late 1980s. While there are outstanding issues concerning the implementation of the policy, many communities consider this an opportunity to improve the health of First Nations people and the work environment of health care providers. This paper reports on the evaluation of the process of transfer of health services experienced by three communities in northwestern Ontario, Canada, focusing on nursing services. Based on interviews with health care providers and community members, the overall assessment was that transfer had successfully addressed chronic issues relating to the working conditions of nurses and problems of recruitment and retention.