International trends in the provision and utilisation of hospital care

Increasing rates of admission are not just a British phenomenon. Some countries have experienced reductions in admissions. Almost all developed countries have made substantial reductions in beds, and in many places there is still further scope for this. Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union still have an overdeveloped hospital sector. Hospitals are more of a growth industry in developing countries, but care is needed if the right investment is to be made.