Sir,
The significance of insurance in our lives clearly displays the price we’re willing to pay for a peace of mind, which makes one wonder why the shortage in our intensive care units does not solicit similar concern. Indeed, there are few resources one might need as urgently as an ICU bed.
It is indeed reassuring news that the national total of ICU beds has seen a rise to 330, an enhancement of 30% in only four years, as the report of April 16th reveals. Notwithstanding this upward journey and plans to increase the figure to 458 by 2031, we have a long road ahead.
Without appearing ungrateful for this commendable expansion, it’s undeniable that the present number of beds is not sufficient. The 2009 Prospectus Report suggested that 579 beds were required to meet societal needs by 2020, a figure we’ve yet to reach. Another obstacle we encounter is the staffing for these beds. An ICU bed requires at least six nurses who are trained to work in one of the most challenging nursing environments. Retaining such staff can be grueling, given the high attrition rates.
The commitment and hard work of the present Minister are laudable, and I remain hopeful that such progress will persist.
Encouragingly, as bed numbers rise, the resultant relief should ease the workplace, leading to potentially better staff retention. In fact, this might be a silver lining of the adversity presented by Covid.
Yours sincerely,
Brian O’Brien,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.