ABSTRACT
Problems of spatial organisation and associated planning issues in the National Health Service are currently attracting a good deal of attention from a variety of interested parties. This chapter discusses a number of different types of modelling approaches that have been developed to examine health care planning issues, particularly those with a spatial component. It examines how computer-based models can help planners and decision makers in their analysis of policy, particularly those related to spatial issues such as the location of facilities and access to them. The chapter also examines some of the causes of the problems now faced by health authorities. It presents two different types of planning model. The first is a district model based on micro-simulation methods; the second is a regional interactive strategic planning model. One of the greatest problems in the development of effective planning procedures in health care is the lack of systematic information on costs of the main functioning units, specialties.
