Market-area analysis and accessibility to primary health-care centres

In this paper, postcoded data are used to develop spatial interaction models for the registration of individuals with different health centres. With use of a cell-based representation of urban space, indices of accessibility to and market areas for such services are devised. The empirical work relates to a study area in the City of Bristol, and reveals patterns of use of general practitioners at a level of detail not previously available. Some implications for locational planning in the primary health-care sector are also considered.