Progress in health is usually measured by means of indicators of health status such as premature mortality ratio or life expectancy. There is evidence that in more developed countries, despite general health improvement, inequalities in health among individuals are worsening. Most of these...

In this paper we develop a three-phase, hierarchical approach for the weekly scheduling of operating rooms. This approach has been implemented in one of the surgical departments of a public hospital located in Genova (Genoa), Italy. Our aim is to suggest an integrated way of facing surgical...