The list published in this issue of The Journal indicates 6,166 registered hospitals. A year ago there were 6,128. For the first time since 1930 the number has increased over the previous year. Other evidences also point to more than ordinary expansion in hospital facilities but at the same time a greater number of idle beds.
The number of beds in registered hospitals is greater than a year ago by 36,832, about 50 per cent more than the average annual gain. There is an increase of 1,181 bassinets.
Since 1909 hospital facilities have increased each year by an average of 24,677 beds, or the equivalent of a sixty-eight bed hospital for every day in the year, Sundays and holidays included. During 1938 the net gain in registered hospital facilities was equal to a 101 bed hospital for each day of the year. Sixty-seven hospitals are known to be under construction