Hospitals in the Nordics - statistics & facts
Nordic healthcare systems, often lauded for their efficiency and quality, are facing significant difficulties. From staffing shortages in Sweden to declining hospital bed numbers across the region, these issues are reshaping the healthcare experience for millions. Despite these challenges, public trust in hospitals remains high, as Nordic hospitals are renowned for their high standards of care, patient-centered approaches, and emphasis on accessibility, reflecting the countries' commitment to public health.
With the overall decrease in hospital beds, Sweden's health expenditure as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) has remained quite stable, reaching almost 11 percent in 2023, which is comparatively high among European countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The trend of declining hospital beds in the Nordics juxtaposed against stable or increasing healthcare expenditure, suggesting a shift in care strategies. The prioritization of equitable treatment and holistic practices serves as a model for improving healthcare systems in the region and globally.
Nordic hospitals face staff shortages and trust issues
A lack of personnel is the most pressing issue facing the Swedish healthcare system, with a staggering 69 percent of survey respondents identifying the issue. This staffing crisis consists of concerns over access to treatment and long waiting times. Nevertheless, trust in hospitals remains quite high, though there are notable fluctuations. In 2023, about 70 percent of individuals reported high or very high trust in hospitals, marking a decrease from the previous year. Moreover, 80 percent of respondents considered the Swedish health system overstretched. Additionally, 64 percent agreed that waiting times for doctor's appointments were too long.Hospital beds decline across the Nordic countries
In Sweden, the number of hospital beds decreased with 37 percent between 2000 and 2022. This downward pattern is also evident in Norway and Finland. Norway saw a lessening in bed-days, with around three million recorded in 2023, which was down 250,000 from 2015. Finland also reported a significant reduction of around one million bed-days since 2015, with almost three million bed-days conducted in 2023. Notably, Norway experienced its lowest number of bed-days during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.With the overall decrease in hospital beds, Sweden's health expenditure as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) has remained quite stable, reaching almost 11 percent in 2023, which is comparatively high among European countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The trend of declining hospital beds in the Nordics juxtaposed against stable or increasing healthcare expenditure, suggesting a shift in care strategies. The prioritization of equitable treatment and holistic practices serves as a model for improving healthcare systems in the region and globally.
