Capacity ‘pressure’ noted in new ICU report despite progress

In 2023, a total of 15,152 admissions for 14,363 patients were recorded to adult intensive care units (ICUs) across Ireland. That is according to the new National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) publication National ICU Audit Annual Report.

Other key findings in the report, include that only 33 per cent of admissions from wards or emergency departments occurred within one hour of a decision to admit, although 87 per cent were admitted within four hours.

In 2023 the national average ICU occupancy was 95 per cent, well above the recommended 85 per cent, indicating ongoing pressures on capacity.

Some 80 per cent of ICU patients survived to hospital discharge, “a satisfactory performance” according to NOCA considering the severity of illness of patients who were admitted to ICU.

NOCA said that the report showed that despite sustained pressures on ICU capacity, “Ireland’s ICU network maintained high-quality outcomes comparable to international standards”.

Commenting on the findings, Professor Rory Dwyer, Clinical Lead for the Irish National ICU Audit, said that the report “highlights the resilience and quality of care delivered across Irish ICUs, despite significant resource challenges”.

“While our overall outcomes are encouraging, the data underline persistent issues, particularly in terms of bed capacity and timely admission to ICU. Continued investment and system improvements are essential to ensure critically ill patients receive timely, appropriate care.”

The report recommends investment to expand ICU and high dependency unit capacity, maintaining a focus on timely access to critical care, and further development of ICU outreach services to support deteriorating patients outside of ICU settings.

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