Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
719. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the ICU capacity in hospitals; the extent to which this has been increased as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23622/20]
View answerIn 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.
Surge ICU capacity supports the provision of critical care as required, with the number open on any given day subject to fluctuation in respect of available staff.
My Department and the HSE continue to engage in regard to critical care capacity requirements in the public hospital system.
