Indicator full name: Number of hospitals
Unit: number of facilities
Dimensions:
- Country/Area (COUNTRY/AREA)
- Supranational group of countries (COUNTRY_GRP)
- Sex (SEX)
- Year of measure (YEAR)
Years data is available: 1980—2015
Indicator is part of data set(s):
Last updated: 07 October 2024
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Countries with no data (3):
- Denmark
- Norway
- United Kingdom
(Sub)regional averages available for:
- WHO European Region
- Members of the European Union
- Members of the EU before May 2004 (EU15)
- Members of the EU before Feb 2020
- Nordic countries
- Small countries
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Number of hospitals (Line chart)
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Number of hospitals (Bar chart)
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European Health for All database
The following abbreviations are used in the indicator titles:
Indicators: 565
Updated: 18 October 2024
Contact:
The following abbreviations are used in the indicator titles:
• SDR: age-standardized death rates (see HFA-DB user manual/Technical notes, page 13, for details)
• FTE: full-time equivalent
• PP: physical persons
• PPP$: purchasing power parities expressed in US $, an internationally comparable scale reflecting the relative domestic purchasing powers of currencies.
Number of hospitals
Indicator code: E275210.T
Hospitals (System of Health Accounts, HP.1, http://www.oecd.org/health/healthpoliciesanddata/1841456.pdf) comprise licensed establishments primarily engaged in providing medical, diagnostic, and treatment services that include physician, nursing, and other health services to in-patients and the specialised accommodation services required by in-patients. Hospitals may also provide out-patient services as a secondary activity. Hospitals provide in-patient health services, many of which can only be provided using the specialised facilities and equipment that form a significant and integral part of the production process. In some countries, health facilities need in addition a minimum size (such as number of beds) in order to be registered as a hospital (see SHA 1.0 Manual).
Inclusion - General hospitals - Mental health and substance abuse hospitals - Speciality (other than mental health and substance abuse) hospitals_
Indicator code: E275210.T
Hospitals (System of Health Accounts, HP.1, http://www.oecd.org/health/healthpoliciesanddata/1841456.pdf) comprise licensed establishments primarily engaged in providing medical, diagnostic, and treatment services that include physician, nursing, and other health services to in-patients and the specialised accommodation services required by in-patients. Hospitals may also provide out-patient services as a secondary activity. Hospitals provide in-patient health services, many of which can only be provided using the specialised facilities and equipment that form a significant and integral part of the production process. In some countries, health facilities need in addition a minimum size (such as number of beds) in order to be registered as a hospital (see SHA 1.0 Manual).
Inclusion - General hospitals - Mental health and substance abuse hospitals - Speciality (other than mental health and substance abuse) hospitals_
Albania
Note: A number of small hospitals were closed during the reform in the early 1990s, which causes a
sharp decline in the number of hospitals.
sharp decline in the number of hospitals.
Austria
Source of data: Austrian Federal Ministry of Health, Hospital Statistics.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage: Complete (HP.1).
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage: Complete (HP.1).
Belarus
Source of data: Official Statistics Yearbook \Health in the Republic of Belarus\"
Belgium
Source of data: Federal Service of Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.
Coverage: All institutions recognised as hospitals are covered.
Coverage: All institutions recognised as hospitals are covered.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Source: Public Health Institute FB&H, Hospital service in FB&H, Public Health Institute Republica
Srpska, Hospital service in Republica Srpska.
Srpska, Hospital service in Republica Srpska.
Bulgaria
Source of data: National Statistical Institute, Exhaustive annual survey
Reference period: 31st December
Coverage: All types of hospitals are included. Dispensaries with beds are also included.
Dispensaries are medical establishments in which doctors with the assistance of other personnel
actively find, diagnose, treat and periodically observe patients with psychiatric, lung,
dermato-venerological and oncological diseases.
Reference period: 31st December
Coverage: All types of hospitals are included. Dispensaries with beds are also included.
Dispensaries are medical establishments in which doctors with the assistance of other personnel
actively find, diagnose, treat and periodically observe patients with psychiatric, lung,
dermato-venerological and oncological diseases.
Croatia
Source of data: Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Hospital structure and function
database
Coverage:
Prison hospital not included.
Reorganization process of Croatian health system resulted in significant changes in number of health
institutions - some were closed or reorganized which caused significant decrease in number of
hospitals and general hospitals in 1994.
Starting from 2009 data do not include community care centres providing both in-patient and
out-patient services primarily engaged in out-patient services.
Break in time series: 2009.
database
Coverage:
Prison hospital not included.
Reorganization process of Croatian health system resulted in significant changes in number of health
institutions - some were closed or reorganized which caused significant decrease in number of
hospitals and general hospitals in 1994.
Starting from 2009 data do not include community care centres providing both in-patient and
out-patient services primarily engaged in out-patient services.
Break in time series: 2009.
Cyprus
Source of data: Statistical Service of Cyprus, Public sector administrative sources and Private
Clinics Inspectors for the Private Sector.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage: Public and Private Sectors. Not-for-profit privately owned hospitals have not been
counted.
Clinics Inspectors for the Private Sector.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage: Public and Private Sectors. Not-for-profit privately owned hospitals have not been
counted.
Czechia
Czech Republic
Source of data: Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic. Registry of
Health Establishments.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage: Hospitals and specialised therapeutic institutes (excluding balneologic institutes,
convalescence homes for children, institutes for long-term patients and hospices).
Source of data: Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic. Registry of
Health Establishments.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage: Hospitals and specialised therapeutic institutes (excluding balneologic institutes,
convalescence homes for children, institutes for long-term patients and hospices).
Denmark
Data not available.
Estonia
Source of data:
- Since 1 January 2008 National Institute for Health Development, Department of Health Statistics.
www.tai.ee
- Data from routinely collected health care statistics submitted by health care providers (monthly
statistical report \Hospital beds and hospitalisation\") and from the Registry of Health Board
(in-patient care licences).
Reference period: 31st of December.
Coverage:
- All hospitals HP.1 (public and private sector) are included.
Note:
- The decrease in the number of hospitals after 1991 was the result of the first reorganisation wave
of the health care system of the independent country. The concentration of the changes in terms of
the number of health care providers is most well-observed when comparing figures from 1994 and 1995.
- In 2002 the Government of Estonia introduced the Hospital Master Plan that anticipates an optimum
number of hospitals and hospital beds necessary to provide acute health care services taking into
account the number of the population of Estonia and the population forecasts. Therefore
- Since 1 January 2008 National Institute for Health Development, Department of Health Statistics.
www.tai.ee
- Data from routinely collected health care statistics submitted by health care providers (monthly
statistical report \Hospital beds and hospitalisation\") and from the Registry of Health Board
(in-patient care licences).
Reference period: 31st of December.
Coverage:
- All hospitals HP.1 (public and private sector) are included.
Note:
- The decrease in the number of hospitals after 1991 was the result of the first reorganisation wave
of the health care system of the independent country. The concentration of the changes in terms of
the number of health care providers is most well-observed when comparing figures from 1994 and 1995.
- In 2002 the Government of Estonia introduced the Hospital Master Plan that anticipates an optimum
number of hospitals and hospital beds necessary to provide acute health care services taking into
account the number of the population of Estonia and the population forecasts. Therefore
Finland
Source of data: National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Care Register for Institutional
Health Care.
Coverage: All hospitals.
Break in time series: 2000. The series was recalculated from 2000 onwards to correspond to the SHA
2011 definitions.
Health Care.
Coverage: All hospitals.
Break in time series: 2000. The series was recalculated from 2000 onwards to correspond to the SHA
2011 definitions.
France
Source of data: Ministere de la Sante et des Sports - Direction de la Recherche, des Etudes, de
l'Evaluation et des Statistiques (DREES). Data are from the ?Statistique Annuelle des Etablissements
de sante (SAE)?.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage:
- Data refer to metropolitan France and D.O.M. (overseas departments).
- Data from 2000 include only hospitals with capacities for complete or partial hospitalisation
(which differs from conventions used in the previous years). Data from 2002 include the army
hospitals. For the public sector, it is the legal entities that are taken into account (there can be
several geographical establishments); for the private sector, it is establishments.
l'Evaluation et des Statistiques (DREES). Data are from the ?Statistique Annuelle des Etablissements
de sante (SAE)?.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage:
- Data refer to metropolitan France and D.O.M. (overseas departments).
- Data from 2000 include only hospitals with capacities for complete or partial hospitalisation
(which differs from conventions used in the previous years). Data from 2002 include the army
hospitals. For the public sector, it is the legal entities that are taken into account (there can be
several geographical establishments); for the private sector, it is establishments.
Georgia
Reference period: 31st December 2012
Coverage: All hospitals existing in the country are included.
Note: A number of small hospitals were closed during the reform in the early 1990s, which causes a
sharp decline in the number of hospitals. Since 2011 an ongoing reform of the hospital sector has
caused sharp changes of the number of hospitals.
Coverage: All hospitals existing in the country are included.
Note: A number of small hospitals were closed during the reform in the early 1990s, which causes a
sharp decline in the number of hospitals. Since 2011 an ongoing reform of the hospital sector has
caused sharp changes of the number of hospitals.
Germany
Germany
Source of data: Federal Statistical Office, Hospital statistics (basic data of hospitals and
prevention or rehabilitation facilities); Statistisches Bundesamt, Fachserie 12, Reihe 6.1.1, table
1.1 and ibid., Fachserie 12, Reihe 6.1.2, table 1.1; http://www.destatis.de or
http://www.gbe-bund.de.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage:
- Hospitals comprise all types of hospitals (HP1.1, 1.2 and 1.3) in all sectors (public,
not-for-profit and private).
- Included are general hospitals, mental health hospitals and prevention and rehabilitation
facilities.
- Long-term nursing care facilities are excluded.
Source of data: Federal Statistical Office, Hospital statistics (basic data of hospitals and
prevention or rehabilitation facilities); Statistisches Bundesamt, Fachserie 12, Reihe 6.1.1, table
1.1 and ibid., Fachserie 12, Reihe 6.1.2, table 1.1; http://www.destatis.de or
http://www.gbe-bund.de.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage:
- Hospitals comprise all types of hospitals (HP1.1, 1.2 and 1.3) in all sectors (public,
not-for-profit and private).
- Included are general hospitals, mental health hospitals and prevention and rehabilitation
facilities.
- Long-term nursing care facilities are excluded.
Greece
Source of data: Hellenic Statistical Authority (EL.STAT.).
Reference period: 31st December.
Reference period: 31st December.
Hungary
Source of data: From 1994 Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund (OEP), Statistical Yearbook.
www.oep.hu.
Coverage: Number of hospitals at the end of the year (including public, not-for-profit and
for-profit hospitals) under contract with OEP, as well as 2 prison infirmaries run by the Ministry
of Justice. Does not include hospitals not under contract with OEP. The number of these hospitals
is negligible.
www.oep.hu.
Coverage: Number of hospitals at the end of the year (including public, not-for-profit and
for-profit hospitals) under contract with OEP, as well as 2 prison infirmaries run by the Ministry
of Justice. Does not include hospitals not under contract with OEP. The number of these hospitals
is negligible.
Iceland
Source of data:
- Up to 2006: The Directorate of Health.
- From 2007: The Ministry of Welfare.
Coverage:
- Up to 2006, the number of hospitals includes specialized and general hospitals, rehabilitation
institutions and a treatment centre for alcohol and drug abusers. All nursing homes and retirement
homes are excluded.
- From 2007, Hospitals refer to health care facilities with 24-hour access to a hospital physician.
Break in time series: 2007.
- Up to 2006: The Directorate of Health.
- From 2007: The Ministry of Welfare.
Coverage:
- Up to 2006, the number of hospitals includes specialized and general hospitals, rehabilitation
institutions and a treatment centre for alcohol and drug abusers. All nursing homes and retirement
homes are excluded.
- From 2007, Hospitals refer to health care facilities with 24-hour access to a hospital physician.
Break in time series: 2007.
Ireland
Source of data: Department of Health and Children and Mental Health Commission.
Coverage: Since 2009, figures refer to HP1 hospitals, both public and private. Data are comprised of
general (acute) hospitals, approved psychiatric centres and specialty hospitals.
Break in time series: Up to 2008, figures refer to publicly funded acute hospitals,
district/community hospitals, geriatric hospitals and psychiatric hospitals. Private short-stay
hospitals were not included.
Coverage: Since 2009, figures refer to HP1 hospitals, both public and private. Data are comprised of
general (acute) hospitals, approved psychiatric centres and specialty hospitals.
Break in time series: Up to 2008, figures refer to publicly funded acute hospitals,
district/community hospitals, geriatric hospitals and psychiatric hospitals. Private short-stay
hospitals were not included.
Israel
Israel
Source of data: The data are based on the Medical Institutions License Registry maintained by the
Department of Medical Facilities and Equipment Licensing and the Health Information Division in the
Ministry of Health.
Reference period: End of the year.
Coverage: Includes all acute care, mental health and specialty hospitals; excludes nursing and
residential care facilities.
* Note: The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant
Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the
Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of
international law.
Source of data: The data are based on the Medical Institutions License Registry maintained by the
Department of Medical Facilities and Equipment Licensing and the Health Information Division in the
Ministry of Health.
Reference period: End of the year.
Coverage: Includes all acute care, mental health and specialty hospitals; excludes nursing and
residential care facilities.
* Note: The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant
Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the
Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of
international law.
Italy
Source of data: Ministry of Health ? D.G. of Health Information System - Office of Statistics.
Coverage: Data up to 2003 included public hospitals but not all private hospitals; only private
hospitals accredited by the National Health Service were included. Since 2004 all private hospitals
are counted; private hospitals not accredited by the National Health Service are also included. The
previous definition has been modified in order to make this indicator coherent with the hospital
discharge indicators referring to all hospitals, both public and private.
Break in time series: 2004.
Coverage: Data up to 2003 included public hospitals but not all private hospitals; only private
hospitals accredited by the National Health Service were included. Since 2004 all private hospitals
are counted; private hospitals not accredited by the National Health Service are also included. The
previous definition has been modified in order to make this indicator coherent with the hospital
discharge indicators referring to all hospitals, both public and private.
Break in time series: 2004.
Latvia
Source of data: The Centre of Health Economics.
Reference period: 31 December.
Reference period: 31 December.
Lithuania
Source of data: Health Information Centre of Institute of Hygiene, data of entire annual survey of
health establishments. Report ?Health Statistics of Lithuania?, available from
http://sic.hi.lt/html/en/hsl.htm.
Reference period: 31st December
Coverage: The numbers of hospitals excludes nursing hospitals.
health establishments. Report ?Health Statistics of Lithuania?, available from
http://sic.hi.lt/html/en/hsl.htm.
Reference period: 31st December
Coverage: The numbers of hospitals excludes nursing hospitals.
Luxembourg
Source of data: Ministere de la Sante, service juridique
Malta
Source of data: Data collated at Department of Health Information and Research from Department of
Health Care Standards and Services within Ministry of Health and from establishments themselves.
Coverage: During the year 2011 one of the privately owned hospitals has terminated its operations.
Coverage: During the year 2012 a privately owned rehabilitation hospital began operating
Health Care Standards and Services within Ministry of Health and from establishments themselves.
Coverage: During the year 2011 one of the privately owned hospitals has terminated its operations.
Coverage: During the year 2012 a privately owned rehabilitation hospital began operating
Montenegro
Source of data: The source for all data submitted is the Institute of Public Health. Some additional
information can be found in Health Statistical Yearbooks available at http://www.ijzcg.me/
Reference period: December 31st.
Coverage: Only hospitals from the public sector are included. There are also 5 Stationary Medical
Centres. A Stationary Medical Center is a public health institution which carries out policlinic and
stationary health activities and is located at the primary health care centre. The Stationary
Medical Centers have been excluded from the total number of hospitals from 2002.
information can be found in Health Statistical Yearbooks available at http://www.ijzcg.me/
Reference period: December 31st.
Coverage: Only hospitals from the public sector are included. There are also 5 Stationary Medical
Centres. A Stationary Medical Center is a public health institution which carries out policlinic and
stationary health activities and is located at the primary health care centre. The Stationary
Medical Centers have been excluded from the total number of hospitals from 2002.
Netherlands
Source of data: Statistics Netherlands.
- 1987-2002: Survey;
- 2002-2005: Prismant survey;
- 2006 onwards: Annual reports social account.
Coverage: Refers to organisations, not locations.
Break in time series: Break in 2010 due to inclusion of for-profit privately owned hospitals.
- 1987-2002: Survey;
- 2002-2005: Prismant survey;
- 2006 onwards: Annual reports social account.
Coverage: Refers to organisations, not locations.
Break in time series: Break in 2010 due to inclusion of for-profit privately owned hospitals.
North Macedonia
Source of data: Institute for Public Health-Skopje. Report for hospitals (3-21-60).
Reference period: 31st December.
Break in time series:
- 1987: Methodological segregation of the ?State hospital? from a single entity to a number of
smaller entities in 1987.
- 2008: Legal segregation of the Clinic of surgery to 7 separate entities in 2008.
Reference period: 31st December.
Break in time series:
- 1987: Methodological segregation of the ?State hospital? from a single entity to a number of
smaller entities in 1987.
- 2008: Legal segregation of the Clinic of surgery to 7 separate entities in 2008.
Norway
Source of data: Statistics Norway. Business register/Statistics on Specialist Health Services.
Annual data collection. See http://www.ssb.no/speshelse_en/.
Reference period: Annual average.
Coverage: The figures cover all hospitals (HP.1).
Annual data collection. See http://www.ssb.no/speshelse_en/.
Reference period: Annual average.
Coverage: The figures cover all hospitals (HP.1).
Poland
Source of data: The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of
Interior and Administration, and the Central Statistical Office.
Reference period: 31st December
Coverage:
- The number of hospitals comprises general hospitals (supervised by the Ministry of Health, the
Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Interior and Administration) and psychiatric
hospitals.
- 2004-2006 Health resort hospitals and health resort sanatorias are excluded because of complex
structure of the Health Resort Treatment.
- From 2007 onwards, health resort hospitals are included
- Prison hospitals are excluded.
Break in time series:
- Since 2004: Hospitals of the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of the Interior and
Administration are included.
- Since 2007: Health resort hospitals are included.
Interior and Administration, and the Central Statistical Office.
Reference period: 31st December
Coverage:
- The number of hospitals comprises general hospitals (supervised by the Ministry of Health, the
Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Interior and Administration) and psychiatric
hospitals.
- 2004-2006 Health resort hospitals and health resort sanatorias are excluded because of complex
structure of the Health Resort Treatment.
- From 2007 onwards, health resort hospitals are included
- Prison hospitals are excluded.
Break in time series:
- Since 2004: Hospitals of the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of the Interior and
Administration are included.
- Since 2007: Health resort hospitals are included.
Portugal
Source of data: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage:
- The Hospital Survey began in 1985. This survey covers the whole range of hospitals acting in
Portugal: hospitals managed by the National Health Service (public hospitals with universal access),
non-public state hospitals (military and prison) and private hospitals.
- In 2012, the data series number of hospitals was redefined according to the concept of separate
hospital establishments. For example, a hospital centre with three different establishment counts
now as three hospitals.
Reference period: 31st December.
Coverage:
- The Hospital Survey began in 1985. This survey covers the whole range of hospitals acting in
Portugal: hospitals managed by the National Health Service (public hospitals with universal access),
non-public state hospitals (military and prison) and private hospitals.
- In 2012, the data series number of hospitals was redefined according to the concept of separate
hospital establishments. For example, a hospital centre with three different establishment counts
now as three hospitals.
Republic of Moldova
Source of data: Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, National Centre for Health
Management, Annual statistical report N30, enclosure 1 ?On hospital activities of health care
institutions? and statistical report N1 ?On activities of a private economical agent for health
service provision? http://cnms.md/areas/statistics/anyar/.
Reference period: Data as of December 31.
Coverage: Data exclude Transnistria.
Management, Annual statistical report N30, enclosure 1 ?On hospital activities of health care
institutions? and statistical report N1 ?On activities of a private economical agent for health
service provision? http://cnms.md/areas/statistics/anyar/.
Reference period: Data as of December 31.
Coverage: Data exclude Transnistria.
Romania
Source of data: National Institute of Statistics.
Reference period: data as of 31st December.
Coverage:
From 1970 to 1998, data refer only to the public sector.
General hospitals were classified according to Law No. 95/2006 on Health Reform regulates the entire
health system.
Break in the series: 1999.
In 2009, 14 new private hospitals were established. Also, two public hospitals were reorganized,
after this reorganisation being formed smaller public hospitals (in order to improve their activity)
Reference period: data as of 31st December.
Coverage:
From 1970 to 1998, data refer only to the public sector.
General hospitals were classified according to Law No. 95/2006 on Health Reform regulates the entire
health system.
Break in the series: 1999.
In 2009, 14 new private hospitals were established. Also, two public hospitals were reorganized,
after this reorganisation being formed smaller public hospitals (in order to improve their activity)
San Marino
Coverage: Only public sector included.
Serbia
Data are not available.
Slovakia
Source of data: National Health Information Center. Annual report (MZ SR) on network of health care
providers in 2005 - 2010 in SR.
Reference period: 31 December.
Coverage:
- Hospitals are counted according to the recommendations and definitions following the SHA version
1.0.
- Hospitals in the territory of the Slovak Republic (general hospitals, specialty hospitals,
sanatoriums - i.e. hospitals providing long-term care for the chronically ill and hospitals
providing rehabilitation and related services to physically challenged or disabled people).
Break in time series: Break in 2005 is due to change in a statistical finding in accordance with Act
No 578/2004 on health care providers. Time series revised in accordance with final agreement on
classification in the Slovak Republic.
providers in 2005 - 2010 in SR.
Reference period: 31 December.
Coverage:
- Hospitals are counted according to the recommendations and definitions following the SHA version
1.0.
- Hospitals in the territory of the Slovak Republic (general hospitals, specialty hospitals,
sanatoriums - i.e. hospitals providing long-term care for the chronically ill and hospitals
providing rehabilitation and related services to physically challenged or disabled people).
Break in time series: Break in 2005 is due to change in a statistical finding in accordance with Act
No 578/2004 on health care providers. Time series revised in accordance with final agreement on
classification in the Slovak Republic.
Slovenia
Source of data: The National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia.ÿÿÿ
Reference period: 31st December.
Reference period: 31st December.
Spain
Source of data:
- Before 1996: National Statistics Institute and Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs. Statistics
on Health Establishments Providing Inpatient Care (available hospitals).
http://www.ine.es/jaxi/menu.do?type=pcaxis&path=/t15/p123&file=inebase&L=0.
- From 1996 to 2009: Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equity from Statistics on Health
Establishments Providing Inpatient Care (ESCRI).
http://www.msssi.gob.es/estadEstudios/estadisticas/estHospiInternado/inforAnual/homeESCRI.htm.
- Since 2010: Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equity from Specialised Care Information
System (Sistema de Informacion de Atencion Especializada - SIAE).
Coverage:
- All public and private hospitals in Spain are included.
- Before 1996: National Statistics Institute and Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs. Statistics
on Health Establishments Providing Inpatient Care (available hospitals).
http://www.ine.es/jaxi/menu.do?type=pcaxis&path=/t15/p123&file=inebase&L=0.
- From 1996 to 2009: Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equity from Statistics on Health
Establishments Providing Inpatient Care (ESCRI).
http://www.msssi.gob.es/estadEstudios/estadisticas/estHospiInternado/inforAnual/homeESCRI.htm.
- Since 2010: Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equity from Specialised Care Information
System (Sistema de Informacion de Atencion Especializada - SIAE).
Coverage:
- All public and private hospitals in Spain are included.
Sweden
Source of data: Federation of County Councils (data for 1980-2003).
Coverage: There is no distinction made in Sweden between hospitals and acute care (short-stay)
hospitals.
Note: From 2004 there is no information on how many hospitals there are in Sweden. There is no
consistent definition of what a hospital is.
Coverage: There is no distinction made in Sweden between hospitals and acute care (short-stay)
hospitals.
Note: From 2004 there is no information on how many hospitals there are in Sweden. There is no
consistent definition of what a hospital is.
Switzerland
Source of data:
Since 1997: FSO Federal Statistical Office, Neuchatel, hospital statistics; yearly census.
Until 1996: Data from the Hospital Association (H+), Bern.
Break in time series: Hospital statistics have been revised (data year 2010); new delimitation of
hospital entities and elimination of artificial double counting for some hospitals (e.g. because of
multiple activity).
Since 1997: FSO Federal Statistical Office, Neuchatel, hospital statistics; yearly census.
Until 1996: Data from the Hospital Association (H+), Bern.
Break in time series: Hospital statistics have been revised (data year 2010); new delimitation of
hospital entities and elimination of artificial double counting for some hospitals (e.g. because of
multiple activity).
Türkiye
Source of data:
- From 2000 onwards: General Directorate for Health Services, Ministry of Health.
- Up to 1999: Health Statistics Yearbook - Ministry of Health.
Coverage: Total number of hospitals in the MoH, universities, the private sector and others are
included in the data. - MoD not included.
- From 2000 onwards: General Directorate for Health Services, Ministry of Health.
- Up to 1999: Health Statistics Yearbook - Ministry of Health.
Coverage: Total number of hospitals in the MoH, universities, the private sector and others are
included in the data. - MoD not included.
Turkmenistan
Source of data: Report from of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. ? 17
?Health employment?
Reference period: 31 December.
?Health employment?
Reference period: 31 December.
United Kingdom
Data not available.
Understanding the Number of Hospitals
The number of hospitals within a region is a critical indicator of healthcare infrastructure, reflecting the capacity to provide medical services to the population. This metric not only helps in assessing the current healthcare capabilities but also aids in planning and resource allocation for future health needs. By tracking the changes in the number of hospitals, stakeholders can gauge the progress in healthcare development and identify areas needing attention or improvement. This data is essential for government agencies, healthcare providers, and policy makers to ensure that the healthcare system is responsive to the needs of the population.
Methodology for Counting Hospitals
To accurately count the number of hospitals, health departments and statistical organizations typically compile data reported by local government units and health authorities. This involves an enumeration of all healthcare facilities that qualify as hospitals based on predefined criteria such as size, services offered, and staffing. The process ensures that each facility is only counted once and that all operational hospitals are included in the tally. This method provides a reliable snapshot of hospital availability, crucial for healthcare planning and analysis.
Significance of Hospital Count Data
The availability of hospitals is a fundamental aspect of public health infrastructure. Knowing the number of hospitals helps in understanding the healthcare landscape of a region—informing decisions on where to allocate resources, where to focus developmental efforts, and how to address healthcare disparities. For emergency preparedness, this data is invaluable as it determines the readiness of regions to handle sudden health crises. Additionally, the distribution and density of hospitals affect accessibility for patients, influencing overall public health outcomes.
Strengths and Limitations of Hospital Count Data
While the count of hospitals is a valuable data point, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that affect its utility and interpretation.
Strengths
The primary strength of hospital count data lies in its straightforwardness and the relative ease of collection, making it a reliable metric for immediate healthcare infrastructure assessment. It allows for quick comparisons between different regions and time periods, facilitating trend analysis and strategic planning. This data is crucial for emergency response planning, ensuring that resources are directed to areas with insufficient medical facilities.
Limitations
However, the mere number of hospitals does not tell the full story about healthcare quality or accessibility. It does not account for hospital capacity, the range of services offered, or the quality of care provided. Additionally, in regions where private healthcare predominates, the data might not accurately reflect the accessibility of healthcare to the general population, particularly the underprivileged. Another significant limitation is the potential for data inaccuracy due to reporting discrepancies or delays in updating records, which can lead to misinformed decisions.
Moreover, the hospital count does not reflect the distribution of specialized facilities like trauma centers or research hospitals, which are critical for advanced healthcare needs. This can lead to a skewed understanding of a region's healthcare capabilities if interpreted without context.
These insights into the number of hospitals highlight the complexity of healthcare system analysis and the need for comprehensive data that goes beyond simple counts to understand the true state of healthcare infrastructure.