Originally published in 1987 this textbook is a comprehensive introduction to the rapidly developing field of medical geography. It illustrates the ideas, methods and debates that inform contemporary approaches to the subject, demonstrating the potential of a social and environmental approach to illness and health. The central theme is the need to reject an exclusively biological approach to health. The authors examine both the geography of health care and outline a selection of health service planning initiatives in both North America and Europe.

The last 40 years has seen a significant shift from state commitment to asylum-based mental health care to a mixed economy of care in a variety of locations. In the wake of this deinstitutionalisation, attention to date has focussed on users and providers of care. The consequences for the idea and fabric of the psychiatric asylum have remained 'stones unturned'. This book address an enduring yet under-examined question: what has become of the asylum? Focussing on the 'recycling' of both the idea of the psychiatric asylum and its sites, buildings and landscapes, this book makes theoretical connections to current trends in mental health care and to ideas in cultural/urban geography. The process of closing asylums and how asylums have survived in specific contexts and markets is assessed and consideration given to the enduring attraction of asylum and its repackaging as well as to retained mental health uses on former asylum sites, new uses on former sites, and interpretations of the derelict psychiatric asylum. The key questions examined are the challenges posed in seeking new uses for former asylums, the extent to which re-use can transcend stigma yet sustain memory and how location is critical in shaping the future of asylum and asylum sites.

The last 40 years has seen a significant shift from state commitment to asylum-based mental health care to a mixed economy of care in a variety of locations. In the wake of this deinstitutionalisation, attention to date has focussed on users and providers of care. The consequences for the idea and fabric of the psychiatric asylum have remained 'stones unturned'. This book address an enduring yet under-examined question: what has become of the asylum? Focussing on the 'recycling' of both the idea of the psychiatric asylum and its sites, buildings and landscapes, this book makes theoretical connections to current trends in mental health care and to ideas in cultural/urban geography. The process of closing asylums and how asylums have survived in specific contexts and markets is assessed and consideration given to the enduring attraction of asylum and its repackaging as well as to retained mental health uses on former asylum sites, new uses on former sites, and interpretations of the derelict psychiatric asylum. The key questions examined are the challenges posed in seeking new uses for former asylums, the extent to which re-use can transcend stigma yet sustain memory and how location is critical in shaping the future of asylum and asylum sites.

Designed as an introduction to the central issues concerning health and health care in contemporary British society, this work is written primarily for an audience of health professionals undergoing basic training. Its key aim is to convey the scope and relevance of social science concepts and theories when applied to work in health settings. Organized in a way which enables the reader to build understanding from chapter to chapter, each chapter is short and highly focused on key learning points. However, the book is designed so that each chapter can be used as a self-contained unit. Features include: a "concept box" at the beginning of each chapter to highlight the main themes and facilitate revision; exercises and activities at the end of each chapter to enable the student to consolidate knowledge and apply it to practice; and guided further reading.

Designed as an introduction to the central issues concerning health and health care in contemporary British society, this work is written primarily for an audience of health professionals undergoing basic training. Its key aim is to convey the scope and relevance of social science concepts and theories when applied to work in health settings. Organized in a way which enables the reader to build understanding from chapter to chapter, each chapter is short and highly focused on key learning points. However, the book is designed so that each chapter can be used as a self-contained unit. Features include: a "concept box" at the beginning of each chapter to highlight the main themes and facilitate revision; exercises and activities at the end of each chapter to enable the student to consolidate knowledge and apply it to practice; and guided further reading.