The number of full-time equivalent nurses in Belgian hospitals decreased by 115 between 2019 and 2022. This is evident from the figures obtained by N-VA MP Frieda Gijbels from the resigning Minister of Public Health, Frank Vandenbroucke ( Vooruit). On the other hand, the number of caregivers has increased significantly.
In 2022, general and university hospitals in Belgium had 65,281 full-time equivalent nurses, compared to 65,396 in 2019, or 115 fewer.
However, this figure has fluctuated in recent years. After 2019, a drop was recorded in 2020, a year marked by the Covid-19 crisis, with 64,922 nurses. In 2021, a notable increase was observed, reaching more than 66,200 full-time equivalents.
Staff shortages remain a major problem in hospitals. According to the recent Belfius report on hospitals, the workforce increased by 6.6% in 2023. However, 4,000 positions remain vacant, including 2,700 for nurses. This increase in numbers is not enough to meet the growing needs for care, according to the analysis.
Furthermore, the use of temporary workers is increasing, as is absenteeism, which is already high in the sector. Questioned on this subject on Thursday in the Chamber, Frank Vandenbroucke warned of the risk of a vicious circle: staff shortages worsen working conditions, which increases absenteeism and further aggravates the shortages. The resigning minister pleaded for more resources in the next legislature, currently being negotiated between Vooruit, the N-VA, the MR, Les Engagés and the CD&V.
According to Frieda Gijbels, it is not just a question of better pay for nurses. Since the Covid-19 crisis, an annual salary increase of 400 million euros has been implemented. However, the number of nurses has decreased compared to 2019. The MP calls for a fundamental overhaul of the profession: “We hear too often that nurses waste a lot of time on endless administrative tasks, to the detriment of patient care and their own satisfaction. »
On the other hand, the number of nursing assistants in Belgian hospitals increased by 1,206 full-time equivalents between 2019 and 2022. Although they are not authorized to perform certain technical procedures, they contribute to the general care of patients.
