The latest review of ICU activity in Ireland found issues such as delays in patient discharge and high bed occupancy rates. The report revealed that there are not enough critical care beds in Ireland compared to international standards. Delays in urgent admissions were seen due to full ICUs, with only 30 percent of patients admitted within one hour of the decision to admit. Almost one-in-ten patients admitted from a ward developed multi-organ failure within 24 hours of ICU admission. The report highlights the need for more timely intervention and recommends keeping at least one staffed ICU bed empty for immediate admissions. The HSE has invested in expanding critical care capacity to address these issues.
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