The health network: an alternative form of care delivery.

The Health Network, a community and social service organization of volunteers and a small staff aims to serve three suburban and rural communities west of Ottawa. In June 1991, the Health Network approached Ontario's Ministry of Health for funding of community-based health services for these municipalities. In light of decreasing resources in hospitals, this article reviews how the Health Network became organized and summarizes a community needs assessment complete in September 1989.