What happens when a private hospital comes to town? The impact of the ‘public’ to ‘private’ hospital shift on regional birthing outcomes

Percent of population covered by private hospital insurance (New South Wales) (Private Health Insurance Administration Council (PHIAC)¹¹).

Eligible births by hospital type, 1997–2003 (percent). Public Ins: public insurance; Priv/pub: privately insured in a public hospital; Private Hosp: privately insured in a private hospital; Public Hosp: public hospital.

Elective caesarean section by hospital type, 1997–2003 (percent).

Induction of labour by hospital type, 1998–2003 (percent of women having labour).

Epidural anaesthetic by hospital type, 1997–2003 (percent of labouring women).

Emergency CS by hospital type, 1997–2003 (percent of labouring women).

Operative birth by hospital type, 1997–2003 (percent).

Cascade effects 1998–2003 public hospital. NVB: normal vaginal birth; Instr.: instrumental birth (forceps or vacuum); EmCS: emergency CS. ^*Missing data for mode of birth for one woman in this category.

Cascade effects 1998–2003 private hospital. NVB: normal vaginal birth; Instr.: instrumental birth (forceps or vacuum); EmCS: emergency CS. ^*Missing data for mode of birth for one woman in this category.