A sharp drop in trained ICU staff over the past year means less than half of the extra intensive care beds provided to meet increased COVID-19 demand and none of the nearly 3000 surge beds across Australia can be used, according to a study of ICU directors.

The survey of Australia’s ICU directors in late August found the number of staffed ICU beds that were open was 2183. This was 195, or 8.2 per cent, fewer than last year.