Upgrading intensive care units--getting the design right prevents infection.

There is a severe, ongoing shortage of intensive care (ICU) unit beds in Ireland, as recently outlined.¹ This needs to be addressed to ensure that patients who need admission to ICU can be admitted as the need arises and are not prematurely discharged due to pressure on beds. Adequate bed numbers and appropriate staffng will also help to ensure that ICU-acquired infection is minimised.