Optimization of urban model for developing health care network in Vilnius regional area

Abstract

The paper presents research executed in the field of optimization of urban planning model for the health care (HC) network. Based on an analysis of territorial, spatial and comparative data, visions for future development of the HC system are drafted for Vilnius county and Vilnius city. The analysis reveals that the present location and functional structure of local and regional hospitals is irrational and has to be optimized in order to save resources and improve the quality of health services for the community. The restructuring vision resented by the author has to form the future spatial network of HC services with HC institutions at three different levels: primary health centres, community hospitals and highly specialized acute care medical centres. The research is still in progress.