Hospital bed requirements in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Based on hospital data published by the ministry of Heath, hospital bed requirements for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the year 1412/3 H. was estimated using the poisson approximation, and hospital efficiency was assessed based on the predicted improvement in bed occupancy and monetary saving which can be achieved by avoiding operating unnecessary empty beds. Results revealed that though Riyadh experienced a reduction in both bed supply and admissions to the hospital through the 12 year study period it still holds 23.1% of the total beds available in Saudi Arabia and constantly maintained higher bed population ratios and admission rates than nationwide. The demand for hospital care in Riyadh in 1412/3 H. could have been met by a lower number of beds and at a higher level of efficiency. The total number of beds that could have been saved is 738 beds and the annual operating expenses that could have been avoided amounted to 78 million SR