Bed occupancy: the impact on hospital planning

Abstract

The ongoing rise in medical emergency admissions seen around the world over the past few decades has never been fully explained. Long-term trends in hospital bed occupancy in England, Canada and Australia are examined to show that a recurring pattern of time-specific increases appears to apply. The possibility of a common infectious source is discussed. Whatever the cause the need to prepare acute hospitals for unexpected increases in bed demand has been demonstrated to be more important than commonly appreciated.