Deprivation and health : Social inequality and equity of access to health care services.

The major aims of this research were to investigate and analyse the connections between social deprivation, health inequality and equity of access to health care. Local and national case studies were used to illustrate inequity of access and to explore and assess policies and procedures that attempted to address such inequities at a local level. The available data sources, their limitations and scope were reviewed and described. In depth examinations and critical reviews were made of concepts and tools to measure deprivation and equity. A case study using the (then) new 1991 Census variable, limiting long term illness in a policy context together is described together with validation via a local survey in Shirebrook in North Derbyshire. The use of techniques for operationalising equity as extended to GP allocations is examined in some action research undertaken in North Derbyshire. Social class variations and their influence on place of death amongst cancer patients are examined, quantifying and describing apparent inequity in patterns of access to place of final care for cancer patients in both a local and national context. This work described, analysed and interpreted the connection between social class and access to hospice, home, and hospital deaths.