Number of Doctors in Hospitals Rising Faster Than Number of Patients - Germany’s hospital workforce hits one million amid nursing staff decline
Germany's hospital sector has reached a significant milestone, employing over one million full-time staff for the first time since records began in 1991. Despite this growth, nursing staff numbers have decreased slightly from pre-COVID-19 levels.
In 2024, the number of nursing staff in German hospitals stood at around 800,000, marking a 0.9 percent decrease from the previous year and a 4.3 percent drop compared to 2019 levels. However, the overall hospital workforce has grown, with 1.24 million people now employed, including 1.015 million full-time equivalent positions.
The number of beds available in German hospitals in 2023 totalled 472,900, including 26,000 intensive care beds. The average length of hospital stay in Germany in 2024 was 7.1 days, down from 7.2 days in 2023. In specific departments, the average length of stay varied: geriatrics at 15.1 days, psychiatric units ranging from 24.5 to 46.8 days, internal medicine at 5.2 days, and general surgery at 5.0 days.
The average bed occupancy in German hospitals rose to 72.0 percent in 2024, although it remained below the 2019 level of 77.2 percent. Non-medical staff saw a 3.3 percent increase, contributing to the overall growth in hospital employment. Notably, the number of physicians in German hospitals increased by 2.7 percent, outpacing the growth in patient numbers.
The German hospital sector's growth to over one million full-time staff is a significant achievement. Despite the slight decrease in nursing staff numbers, the sector continues to adapt and evolve, with bed occupancy rates and average lengths of stay showing fluctuations. As the sector continues to grow and adapt, it will be crucial to monitor these trends to ensure the best possible care for patients.
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