Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Questions (567)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

567. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the current permanent ICU and critical care capacity in the health service; the additional amount that was available during the peak of the Covid-19 crisis; if this capacity fluctuated or reduced in recent weeks; if there are plans to further increase the permanent ICU and critical care capacity; if so, the way this would breakdown between the public health system and the private system; the arrangements i that will exist between the public and private systems in relation to this capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13651/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In early 2020, baseline permanent adult critical care capacity in Ireland was reported by the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) to be 255 beds. Funding for a further 40 adult critical care beds, and two paediatric critical care beds, was provided as part of the response to Covid-19 in March 2020. Daily situational reports provided by the HSE during recent months have reported potential critical care beds, including surge capacity, to be in the region of 500, with the number open on any given day subject to fluctuation in respect of available staff. Training was provided to over 1,500 nursing staff to allow them to provide support to critical care as required.

The acute hospital system and critical care service has coped effectively during recent months, and this reflects the success of public health measures in flattening the curve.  The additional demand for critical care was met by surge ICU capacity, with clinical staff redeployed from other hospital services and locations.

My Department and the HSE are currently engaging in regard to critical care capacity requirements in the public hospital system.