Problems of providing health care in British island communities

Issues and problems relating to the funding and provision of health services to islands are examined with particular reference to the island communities of Britain. The results of a telephone survey of key representatives of relevant health authorities in the British Isles indicate the general problems faced by health care providers in island localities. The Isle of Wight is used as a case study and exemplar of the specific difficulties faced in island settings. The paper concludes by examining the relevance of current resource allocation policy to island contexts.