DUBLIN: A new Irish National ICU Audit report calls for an increase in ICU beds to alleviate the high pressure on intensive care units across hospitals. The report emphasizes the need for timely admissions and discharges to enhance patient care.
Currently, Ireland has only 5.6 critical care beds per 100,000 people, significantly lower than international standards. For comparison, the UK has 7.3 beds, while the OECD average is 12 beds. The report highlights that Ireland has an average of 289 ICU beds in general hospitals, which is insufficient to meet demand.
In 2022, 10,423 patients were treated across 26 ICUs in 22 hospitals. Professor Rory Dwyer, Clinical Lead for the audit, noted that despite substantial investments, ICU resources remain under immense pressure.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) reported an increase in critical care beds to 329 by the end of last year, with plans to reach 352 by the end of this year. Additionally, the HSE is developing new capacity at five sites, adding 106 more beds.
While 85% of ICU admissions occur within four hours, only 30% meet the one-hour target, short of the 50% goal.