French Hospitals Faced 2,000 Bed Closures in 2024,Intensifying Strain on Healthcare System
Nearly 2,000 full hospitalization beds disappeared from French hospitals in 2024,according to a recent report,exacerbating existing pressures on the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. The closures, impacting facilities across the country, come as France grapples with staffing shortages, aging populations, and persistent financial challenges within its public hospital system.
The reduction in available beds raises concerns about access to care, particularly during peak seasons for respiratory illnesses and other common ailments. While the overall density of neonatal intensive care beds remains at 1.2 per 1,000 births nationally, significant regional disparities exist, with southeastern France and Corsica experiencing lower rates. This latest development underscores a broader trend of resource constraints within French healthcare, prompting calls for increased investment and strategic planning to ensure adequate capacity for future needs.
The density of neonatal intensive care beds reaches 1.2 beds per 1,000 births, tho availability varies geographically. Fourteen regions maintain a rate exceeding 1 bed per 1,000 births,while the four regions encompassing the southeastern quarter of mainland France - including Corsica – fall below this threshold.
A related article published by Le Monde highlights the administrative and logistical burdens faced by French hospitals, contributing to the strain on caregivers. The piece, “Social Security Budget 2026: ‘Our hospitals lack administrative and logistical support to relieve caregivers,'” argues that bolstering support staff is crucial to alleviating pressure on medical personnel.
The World with AFP reported this story.
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