Health service access in urban growth areas: examining the evidence and applying a case study approach

Population growth, especially in urban areas, is projected to increase in the near future. In response, residential growth is commonly channelled into urban growth areas located on the suburban fringe of major city centres. There is a need for adequate infrastructure provision, such as health services, to meet the population demands in urban growth areas. Access to health services is a key social determinant of health, and having adequate access can help reduce health inequities. This review examines literature considering primary and secondary health services access in new urban growth areas, with a focus on Melbourne, Australia. Academic and grey literature were sourced and reviewed. Themes revealed include challenges in providing spatial and social access to health services. Both nationally and internationally, we found that few studies considered health services access when planning for urban growth. Further research is required to examine how health service access is planned for in urban growth areas. Such research may contribute to reducing health inequity.