Increased number of patients treated at Karolinska University Hospital in 2023

Karolinska University Hospital continues to increase the number of treated patients. A total of 334,486 patients were treated at the hospital in 2023.

“It is a sign of strength that we have helped more patients during these difficult economic times for the healthcare system and when other healthcare providers are reducing their operations. Karolinska's strategic focus on decentralization and improved administration leads to a strong focus on patients, quality and availability", says Björn Zoëga, CEO at Karolinska University Hospital.

In 2022, 326,172 patients were treated at Karolinska. Last year, the number was 334,486, an increase of 8,314 patients, corresponding to three percent. Since 2020, the number of patients receiving care at Karolinska University Hospital has increased by 46,380 patients, or 16 percent.

In 2023, the hospital delivered 6.5 percent more care than commissioned to Region Stockholm. In 2023, Karolinska cared for 310,060 Stockholmers, which is 7,245 more than in 2022. The number of out-of-county and out-of-country patients has increased by four percent to 25,399.

In recent years, Karolinska University Hospital has increased the number of surgeries and procedures as well as the number of hospital beds. Both the volume of surgeries and procedures as well as the number of hospital beds are now stable at a higher level vs 2018-2019 and at a level corresponding to Karolinska's mission. The increase in healthcare production in 2023 is mainly found in outpatient care, i.e. patients who visit a clinic or who are given care at the hospital during daytime.

"After improving the management and operation of our surgical operations and reducing waiting times there, we have put a lot of energy into patients' first as well as follow-up appointments 2023. In this way, patients' total waiting time is reduced," says Björn Zoëga.

Number of patients treated at Karolinska University Hospital

2020: 288 106

2021: 306 835

2022: 326 174

2023: 334 486

Number of care contacts in inpatient and outpatient care at Karolinska University Hospital. This figure is higher than the number of patients, as each unique patient can give rise to several healthcare contacts.

2020: 1 309 403

2021: 1 418 915

2022: 1 477 821

2023: 1 545 352

Number of surgeries and procedures performed at Karolinska University Hospital

2020: 48 464

2021: 53 622

2022: 57 376

2023: 56 727

Karolinska University Hospital

Press Officer 

+46 8 123 740 10

presstjanst.karolinska@regionstockholm.se

Karolinska is one of Europe's largest university hospitals and together with Karolinska Institutet we have a leading role within the field of medical breakthroughs. Our aim is to always put the patient first by providing the best possible medical expertise, treatment and care. Through innovation and active collaboration with industry and academia, we are committed to being internationally prominent in medicine, research and education.