¹University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK

Correspondence: P Beullens, Department of Maths, University of Portsmouth, Lion Gate Building, Lion Terrace, Portsmouth PO1 3HF, UK. E-mail: patrick.beullens@port.ac.uk

Received December 2006; Accepted November 2007; Published online 6 February 2008.

Abstract

In this paper, a multi-objective decision aiding model is introduced for allocation of beds in a hospital. The model is based on queuing theory and goal programming (GP). Queuing theory is used to obtain some essential characteristics of access to various departments (or specialities) within the hospital. Results from the queuing models are used to construct a multi-objective decision aiding model within a GP framework, taking account of targets and objectives related to customer service and profits from the hospital manager and all department heads. The paper describes an application of the model, dealing with a public hospital in China that had serious problems with loss of potential patients in some departments and a waste of hospital beds in others. The performance of the model and implications for hospital management are presented.