The US faces a looming crisis of hospital bed shortages, with projections indicating a critical shortage could occur as early as 2032, according to recent research from UCLA. Hospital occupancy rates have significantly increased from 75% post-pandemic, driven by a 16% reduction in staffed hospital beds, not an increase in hospitalizations. If current trends continue, national hospital occupancy could reach 85%, a threshold where basic hospital operations become dysfunctional and potentially unsafe.
At 85% occupancy, hospitals may struggle to provide safe and timely care, leading to potential issues like longer wait times in emergency departments, medication errors, and an increase of in-hospital adverse events.
Preventing the shortage requires either increasing bed capacity by 10% or reducing hospitalization rates by 10%. Addressing staffing shortages and exploring alternative care delivery models are also crucial.
Table of Contents
U.S. States Struggling with Hospital Bed Shortages
Diving deeper into the hospital bed shortages in America, another report reveals the states that are already struggling with hospital bed shortages.
Quick Highlights:
- Oregon has the lowest community hospital bed availability, with an average of 1.67 beds per 1,000 residents between 2014 and 2020.
- Washington (1.69) and Utah (1.81) occupy the second and third spots, respectively.
- The top 10 states average just 1.85 beds per 1,000 residents, which is substantially below the nationwide average of 2.6 beds per 1,000 residents.
This research analyzed community hospital bed availability data between 2014 and 2020 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The seven-year average number of beds per 1,000 residents was calculated to rank states from lowest to highest capacity.
State Highlights
Oregon faces the most significant hospital bed shortage, with an average of 1.67 beds per 1,000 residents. Although the Beaver State’s numbers dipped slightly to 1.6 in both 2018 and 2020, it has consistently fallen well below the national average of 2.6 beds over the seven-year period.
Washington follows in second place, averaging 1.69 beds per 1,000 residents. While the Evergreen State consistently reported around 1.7 beds from 2014 to 2019, it, too, fell to 1.6 in 2020, matching Oregon’s latest figure.
Utah places third with 1.81 beds per 1,000 residents. After reaching 1.9 in 2016, the Beehive State’s rate remained steady at 1.8 for most of the measured timeframe.
Ranking fourth, California reported an average of 1.83 beds per 1,000 residents. Despite occasionally hitting 1.9 beds (as seen in 2017 and 2019), the Golden State remains well below the 2.6 national average.
New Mexico ranks fifth with an average of 1.84 beds per 1,000. The Land of Enchantment briefly rose to 1.9 in both 2015 and 2016 but slid back to 1.8 by 2020, showing an ongoing shortage in facilities to accommodate patients.
Hawaii ranks sixth, averaging 1.86 beds per 1,000. The Aloha State witnessed its lowest rate of 1.7 in 2016, but rebounded to 1.9 in the following years. This still places Hawaii below the nation’s average capacity levels of 2.6 beds per 1,000 residents.
Maryland takes the seventh spot with an overall rate of 1.91 beds per 1,000. The Old Line State shows slight fluctuations between 1.8 and 2.0 over the recorded years. Despite approaching 2.0 beds per 1,000 residents in 2014 and 2015, Maryland never reached the national average of 2.6 beds.
Colorado ranks eighth with 1.93 beds per 1,000. While the Centennial State hovered around the 1.9 mark, it remained stuck below the national average of 2.6 beds.
Arizona ranks ninth, averaging 1.96 beds per 1,000 residents. The Grand Canyon State had a stable run of 2.0 beds from 2014 to 2017, but dropped to 1.9 beds in 2018.
Idaho rounds out the top 10 with an average of 1.97 beds per 1,000. The Gem State peaked at 2.1 in 2017, yet declined to 1.9 in 2020, presenting an ongoing challenge to meet the rising healthcare needs of its expanding communities.
Reflecting on their findings, a spokesperson commented:
“The study highlights the top ten states struggling with hospital bed shortages. These states have consistently maintained community hospital bed capacities below the national average of 2.6 beds per 1,000 residents from 2014 to 2020, posing major safety hazards for pregnant women. The inadequate number of beds results in delays in receiving necessary medical care, increasing the risk of complications for both mothers and their newborns.”
“Additionally, the mental and physical stress of navigating an overstretched healthcare system takes a heavy toll on pregnant women and their partners. To address these critical issues, the government must increase funding to prioritize the expansion of hospital bed capacities.”
Table of Extended Results
Top 10 States with the Least Hospital Bed Shortages
Top 10 States with the Most Hospital Bed Shortages
Methodology
The research analyzed hospital bed availability data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 2014 and 2020. The seven-year average number of beds per 1,000 residents was calculated to rank states from lowest to highest capacity.
This article was created at the WHN News Desk using some of the graphs and information that were supplied by Rhoda Amoaka on behalf of the Birth Injury Lawyers Group based in Phoenix, Arizona, serving 39 states.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article on child healthcare should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
