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Paediatric bed capacity in Swiss hospitals: a comprehensive analysis
Juliane Wurm1,2, Christoph Berger3, Vera Bernet4
1Department of Paediatrics, Fribourg Hospital, Fribourg, Switzerland.
Swiss Medical Weekly
|October 24, 2025
Summary
A nationwide survey revealed 1751 paediatric hospital beds in Switzerland, with significant regional disparities. Many beds were unoperated, highlighting the need for better healthcare planning and data collection for pediatric services.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Pediatric Health Services
- Swiss Healthcare System
Background:
- Switzerland's healthcare system decentralizes pediatric hospital infrastructure to cantons.
- Official statistics on pediatric hospital beds are currently unavailable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the lack of data by collecting and analyzing pediatric hospital bed information nationwide.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of pediatric bed availability in Switzerland.
Main Methods:
- A national cross-sectional email survey was conducted in January 2023.
- Data on structurally available and operated pediatric beds were collected and analyzed descriptively.
Main Results:
- A total of 1751 beds were identified across 29 Swiss pediatric hospitals/departments, with 85% operated.
- 112 were pediatric intensive care unit beds (80% operated) and 339 were neonatology beds (86% operated).
- Significant regional disparities in bed-to-child ratios were observed, with lower ratios in Central Switzerland, Eastern Switzerland, and Ticino.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the current distribution of pediatric beds and a notable proportion of non-operated beds.
- Findings underscore the importance of ongoing, comprehensive data collection for effective healthcare planning.
- Addressing regional disparities in pediatric bed availability is crucial for equitable healthcare access.
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