UK
Number of Critical Care Beds at all-time High in NHS
By DOH, UK
Mar 18, 2005, 16:32

New figures published today show there are a record number of critical care beds in the NHS.

Health Secretary John Reid announced figures showing that there were 3,213 beds in January 2005 compared with 2,362 in January 2000 � a 36 per cent increase.

The number includes 1,426 high dependency beds � an increase of 77 per cent since 2000.

John Reid said:

�Today�s figures show a record increase in critical care capacity, with the numbers of beds increasing by 36 per cent since 2000.

�The hard work of the NHS, together with the �285m additional funding that we�ve specifically provided for critical care since 2000, has meant we�ve exceeded the target set four years ago to increase the number of beds.

�However, I know we need to do even more to increase capacity. That�s why I�m committed to putting record levels of investment into the NHS so that critical care can be further improved.�

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