The forecast for the number of hospital beds in the UK shows a consistent decline from 2024 to 2028. The value stood at 160.32 thousand hospital beds in 2023. The year-on-year variation from 2024 to 2025 is a decrease of approximately 2.3%, followed by a similar annual decrease through to 2028. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over this five-year period is around -2.3%, indicating a steady decrease in the number of hospital beds each year.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of technological advancements in healthcare, which may reduce the need for inpatient beds, and shifts in policy regarding hospital capacity and community-based care models. Additionally, demographic changes and the aging population may influence demand for hospital services and subsequently, the number of hospital beds required in future years.
