This text addresses current concerns in health services and investigates whether it is possible to offer truly universal and comprehensive services, equally available to all, without waiting lists and unacceptable delays in receiving treatment. Drawing on a range of disciplinary perspectives, it looks at the geographical accessibility of services, socio-economic equity of access, patients help-seeking behaviour, organizational problems and access, and methods for evaluating access. Access is considered in both a UK and international context and the book includes chapters on contrasting health policies in the United States and European Union. The book defines the meaning of access and summarises the theoretical issues which underpin current research and policy debates. It provides both health care researchers and health professionals and managers involved in organizing and delivering services with a concise overview of a key issue in health policy.