What has been the overall trend in the amount of beds in hospitals?

The overall trend in the number of beds in hospitals has been a reduction. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including advancements in medical technology, changes in healthcare delivery models, and a shift toward outpatient care. As treatments become more effective and efficient, hospitals are able to achieve better patient outcomes without the need for overnight stays, leading to fewer beds being necessary.

Additionally, there has been an increased emphasis on managing healthcare costs and improving patient flow, resulting in the consolidation of services and the closure of less efficient facilities. These factors contribute to a consistent decrease in the total number of hospital beds over recent years, reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare where more services are provided in outpatient settings rather than in inpatient hospital care.