Home > Healthcare > Healthcare IT > Healthcare Outsourcing > Hospital Linen Supply and Management Services Market
Based on product, the hospital linen supply and management services market is categorized into bed sheets & pillow covers, blanket, patient repositioner, bathing & cleaning accessories, and others. The bed sheets & pillow covers segment was valued at around USD 4.3 billion in 2022. Bed sheets and pillow covers play a vital role in providing comfort to patients during their hospital stay. Bed sheets and pillow covers are in direct contact with patients and need to be changed regularly to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Moreover, hospitals often experience high patient turnover and admission rates, especially in busy departments such as emergency rooms and surgical units. The continuous influx of patients creates a higher demand for bed sheets and pillow covers, as they need to be changed frequently to maintain cleanliness and accommodate new patients.
Based on material, the hospital linen supply and management services market is segmented into woven and non-woven. The non-woven segment is expected to reach over USD 12.4 billion in 2032. Non-woven materials are known for their superior barrier properties, which make them effective in preventing the transmission of pathogens. Non-woven fabrics have a tight structure that restricts the passage of microorganisms, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Additionally, non-woven materials can be more cost-effective compared to traditional woven fabrics. Technological advancements, enhanced safety and comfort, non-woven disposable and single-use linens and environmental considerations among other factors are expected to further augment the segmental progression.
Based on service provider, the hospital linen supply and management services market is segmented into in-house and contractual. The contractual segment was valued at around USD 6 billion in 2022 attributed to ability of these firms in catering to several parameters including cost efficiency, expertise, quality control, focus on core competencies, technological advancements, and risk mitigation. Contractual service providers can offer cost-effective solutions compared to establishing and maintaining an in-house linen management system.
These firms offer hospitals and healthcare facilities the flexibility to scale their linen supply and management services according to their needs. They have established processes and protocols to ensure that linens are properly cleaned, sanitized, and inspected. By outsourcing to these providers, hospitals can have confidence in meeting regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of infections, and maintaining patient safety.
Based on end-use, the hospital linen supply and management services market is bifurcated into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and others. The hospitals segment is projected to reach over USD 9 billion by 2032. Hospitals strive to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for patients. Clean and comfortable linens, such as bed sheets, towels, and patient gowns, contribute to the overall comfort and well-being of patients during their hospital stay. Hospital linen supply and management services ensure a reliable supply of fresh and well-maintained linens, enhancing the patient experience and satisfaction.
Moreover, outsourcing linen supply and management services to specialized providers allows hospitals to improve operational efficiency. These services handle the complex processes of linen procurement, inventory management, cleaning, distribution, freeing up hospital staff to focus on patient care and core operations. By streamlining linen management, hospitals can optimize resource allocation, reduce costs, and improve workflow efficiency.
North America hospital linen supply and management services market is expected to reach around USD 6.4 billion by 2032. North America has a well-developed healthcare infrastructure and a significant number of hospitals and healthcare facilities. The regional countries places a strong emphasis on infection control, patient safety, and quality of care, which drives the demand for hospital linen supply and management services. For instance, as per the data reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2021, approximately 1 in 31 patients in the country gets affected to some kind of hospital acquired infection each day.