ICU Utilization Rates at Tertiary Hospitals Return to Normal Levels

General Ward Also Shows Recovery Trend

The ICU bed occupancy rate in tertiary general hospitals has recently recovered to normal levels.

On the morning of the 10th, visitors are waiting in front of the emergency intensive care unit at a large hospital in Seoul city. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to data received by Kim Mi-ae, a ruling party secretary of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee, from the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the 27th, the ICU bed occupancy rate in tertiary general hospitals on weekdays last month was 76.5%. This is similar to the occupancy rate during normal times, such as February 1-7 of this year, before the collective resignation of residents, which was 78.8%.

The ICU bed occupancy rate in tertiary general hospitals gradually declined after the collective resignation of residents began, dropping to 68.6% in June (weekday basis).

The bed occupancy rate in general wards of tertiary general hospitals has also shown a recovery trend over the past two months. The normal occupancy rate for these hospitals' general wards was 79.3%. However, it fell to 55.2% during February 20-29, when the collective resignation occurred, and remained in the 50% range until May. In June, it rose to the 60% range and currently stands at 63.8% as of August.

On the other hand, the bed occupancy rate in general hospitals exceeds normal levels. The general ward bed occupancy rate in general hospitals was 69.8% during normal times but rose to 78.3% last month. The ICU bed occupancy rate in these hospitals also increased from 70.5% during normal times to 77.7% last month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.