The number of available hospital beds per hundred thousand persons in the UK has consistently declined from 2013 to 2023, showing a notable decrease of almost 55.76 units per hundred thousand persons over the ten-year period. The most recent data from 2023 indicates that the value stands at 219.92. Year-on-year variations have consistently recorded negative percentages, with a decreasing trend becoming more pronounced from 2019 onwards. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years (2018-2023) was -2.50%, indicating a steady decline in available beds.
Forecasts predict a continued downward trend in available bed numbers, with a projected value of 191.2 units per hundred thousand persons by 2028. The forecasted five-year CAGR is -2.22%, showing a predicted 10.6% reduction over this period. The overall trend demonstrates persistent strain on hospital capacity.
Future trends to watch for:
- Technological advancements in healthcare affecting hospital bed requirements
- Policy changes targeting healthcare infrastructure improvements
- Population growth and demographic shifts influencing healthcare demand
- Impact of outpatient care and telemedicine on inpatient bed needs
