Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, 7 March 2018
- Results of a survey of FICM membership to understand the picture behind the UK’s current critical care bed capacity.
- The survey demonstrated that large numbers of units across the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and N Ireland) are either current experiencing or moving towards a capacity crisis. Only a minority of units were not having to make difficult decisions to ensure that patients were able to receive the care they required.
- The key messages are as follows:
- 3/5 of units do not have a full critical care nursing complement.
- Of those affected, the vast majority considered that bed capacity was inevitably impacted leading to cancelled operations. Quality of care and even patient safety might be impacted.
- 2/5 of units have to close beds due to staffing shortages on at least a weekly basis. Only 14% of units did not have to close beds.
- 4/5 of units had to transfer patients due to lack of beds. With 21% units doing this at least monthly.
- NHS England data put the critical care bed capacity rate at 87%, but a number of units responded to express doubt that the rate entered for their Trusts was a true reflection of their real capacity.
- Based on 386 responses were received, accounting for approximately 20% of ICM consultants.
