U.S. Hospitals Lost Almost 30% Of Pediatric Inpatient Capacity

Between 2008 and 2022, the number of pediatric inpatient units in the U.S. at 4,808 hospitals decreased by 29.9% (from 1,749 to 1,226 units). Pediatric beds at these hospitals decreased by 19.5% (from 31,133 to 25,064 beds). Of pediatric inpatient units ever open, 848 (40.9%) closed by 2022.

The percentage of pediatric units closed varied between rural and urban areas. In rural areas, more than 50% of pediatric units closed. In metropolitan areas, more than 30% closed, and in micropolitan areas, about 40% closed.

In comparison, adult inpatient units decreased by . . .