Cork University Hospital has no ICU beds and emergency at double capacity

Cork University Hospital (CUH) reported that on Monday it had no available intensive care unit (ICU) beds and its emergency department was operating at twice its normal capacity.

In an internal email seen by the Irish Examiner, chief executive Jennifer Kearney warned staff that pressures were “comparable to January at the height of the flu and winter season”. She said the emergency department was “operating at 100 % over its capacity, with no available space to assess additional patients”.

Kearney added that there was no space in the ICU or resuscitation unit, services she described as fundamental to the hospital’s operation. Elective procedures have been reduced and some patients are being referred to alternative treatment pathways where appropriate.

Staff urged to focus on discharges

The CEO cautioned that the pressures are likely to continue “for several days” and highlighted wider challenges beyond staff control, such as employment restrictions affecting diagnostic capacity and patient discharge. She urged staff to prioritise discharges, identify barriers early and maximise transfer opportunities to Mallow General Hospital and other facilities.

Labour Senator Laura Harmon called on the Government to address the staffing crisis at CUH, saying patient safety must be taken seriously and urging the HSE to provide the needed staffing.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Oleg PavLove / Pexels.