Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

555. To ask the Minister for Health if additional recruitment for critical care staff has been planned; and the consideration given to the retention of existing staff to ensure the long-term sustainability of intensive care units in the context of the ongoing threat of Covid-19. [7550/20]

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

575. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to implement the proposals of a society (details supplied) in relation to the expansion of recruitment and retention of critical care nurses. [7703/20]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

605. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase critical care capacity with particular reference to the recruitment and retention of critical care nurses; if he will give further consideration to a submission by an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7981/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 555, 575 and 605 together.

The Health Service Capacity Review 2018 projected that demand for adult critical care beds will increase by 43% by 2031, and recommended that additional 190 critical care beds be put in place by 2031. My Department and the HSE continue to work together to address critical care capacity requirements, including intensive engagement in the context of responding to Covid-19. An updated workforce plan for critical care nursing is in development, under the auspices of the National Clinical Programme for Critical Care and my Department will continue to engage with the HSE in this regard.