Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
722. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the current permanent ICU bed capacity; the further plans there are to increase capacity given that the HSE recommended in 2009 an ICU capacity of 579 beds; if he aims to reach the number of beds recommended in 2009; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43922/21]
View answer723. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the projected cost of achieving the ICU bed capacity fully staffed of 579 recommended by the HSE in 2009. [43923/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 722 and 723 together.
The Health Service Capacity Review, which was noted by Government in 2018, recommended that an additional 190 critical care beds should be in place by 2031, bringing the total to 430. Accordingly, the Strategic Plan for Critical Care, which was noted by Government in 2020, aims to increase capacity from the 2020 baseline of 255 critical care beds, to 446 over time, to fully address the Capacity Review’s recommendations in regard to critical care.
Very significant funding of €52m was provided by Government in Budget 2021 to commence implementation of Phase 1 of the Plan. This provides for the permanent retention of 40 additional critical care beds which were funded temporarily in 2020 as part of the Covid response, and for the opening of a further 26 beds in new build capacity. The HSE has advised that 41 of these beds are now open, bringing baseline capacity to 296 although the number of beds open on any given day fluctuates as a result of a variety of factors.
In relation to cost, the HSE has advised that the average annual cost of running a critical care bed is estimated to be in the region of €750,000. It should be noted that this figure includes costs for both ICU and HDU beds, with ICU beds being the more costly. Capital costs associated with new critical care beds are estimated by the HSE at typically between €1m and €1.5m, including design, construction, equipping and all other associated capital costs.
