Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University Hospital Faces Nurse Shortage, Bed Closures: A Deep Dive

Addressing Nursing Staff Exodus and Bed Closures at National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Taiwan

The healthcare landscape in Taiwan faces a significant challenge as the recruitment and retention of nurses become increasingly difficult. This issue has led to a critical situation at the National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH), where a substantial loss of nursing staff has necessitated the closure of hospital beds.

According to the Director of the Nursing and Health Care Division of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), Tsai Shu-feng, NCKUH has experienced considerable nurse attrition. Between February and March of this year, approximately 15 nurses resigned each month, totaling around 30 departures. The hospital management is taking measures to mitigate the impact, including the closure of a significant number of beds. Currently, over 40 beds have been closed, with plans to close an additional 30, bringing the total to approximately 70 beds.

Tsai Shu-feng explained that the hospital's decision to close beds stems from the need to ensure that remaining nurses can maintain a regular schedule and take leave. With fewer nurses available, maintaining the existing number of beds would have resulted in nurses being unable to take time off. In an effort to safeguard patient access to care, NCKUH plans to collaborate with regional hospitals and local hospitals. Surgeries and other procedures that traditionally occur in medical centers will be redirected to these partnering institutions, ensuring patients can still receive the necessary medical care.