Bed numbers. Inadmissible evidence.
Little research has been done on the number of intensive care beds the UK needs, and provision varies widely across the country. There is no indication of systematic under-provision of intensive care unit beds in the UK. There is confusion about appropriate referrals and admissions. Research suggests that with the current number of beds there are 2,100-2,500 avoidable deaths a year. But it is unclear how many of these would be avoided by providing extra beds.
McPherson
K
K
Cancer and Public Health Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Metcalfe
A
A
D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006742:Hospital Bed Capacity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D006113:United Kingdom