In 2023, the French hospital sector suffered a further significant drop in its reception capacities.
A reduction in hospitalization capacities
The statistical directorate of social ministries (Drees) revealed that 4,962 hospital beds complete disappeared in public and private establishments in 2023. In total, there are now 369,423 beds, a decrease of 1.3% compared to 2022. Since 2013, 43,500 beds have been closed, a continuing trend which reflects the difficulties encountered by the sector.
The reasons for this erosion
According to Drees, this closing of beds results from two main factors. On the one hand, public authorities are seeking to redirect care towards outpatient care. On the other hand, staff shortages make it impossible to keep all beds open. In ten years, the number of full hospitalization beds has fallen by 10.5%, while partial hospitalization places have increased by 31%.
Furthermore, the promises to reopen beds by the former Minister of Health, Aurélien Rousseau, in 2023, have not been fulfilled. The minister declared that these closures were not due to budgetary constraints, but rather to a lack of attractiveness of health professions. However, Drees observes that the reduction in hospital beds complete has been faster in the last four years.
Impact on caregivers
Health professionals oppose bed closures. This leads to saturation of hospital services. Indeed, teams are under great pressure and tensions in emergency services are intensifying. As a result, many hospital workers choose to leave their positions.
Source : Francetvinfo.fr
