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Health Services Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021

Thursday, 9 September 2021

Questions (1491)

David Cullinane

Question:

1491. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number and types of staff required to safely staff an adult critical care bed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43133/21]

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Written answers

The HSE National Clinical Programme for Critical Care has calculated that there is a requirement of 5.6 nursing WTEs per ICU bed to provide direct 1:1 nursing care on a 24/7 basis. Alongside this, other specific requirements including ACCESS nurses, clinical educators and clinical nurse managers which will vary depending on unit size and skill mix. In relation to medical staffing, the National Clinical Programme has adopted the Critical Care Minimum Service Requirements definition provided by the JFICMI National Standards. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to further detail on staffing requirements.

The Deputy may wish to note that a Strategic Plan for Critical Care was noted by Government in December 2020. This aims to increase critical care capacity to 446 beds over time. The Plan recognises workforce planning and education as key to capacity expansion, and this is reflected in the funding provided this year to commence the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

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