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Critical care beds

The number of available (open and staffed) adult intensive care and high dependency beds in NHS hospitals in England are counted twice a year in a census. A census provides a snapshot of provision on one particular day and it should be noted that the number of beds may vary from day to day according to clinical demands and staff availability, with flexibility between general and specialist beds and between intensive care and high dependency. Figures are submitted on form KH03a by each NHS Trust with critical care facilities.

The number of 'available neonatal intensive care cots' is counted at 31 March each year. This figure is just intensive care cots and does not include high dependency or special care cots. Figures are submitted annually on form KH03 by each NHS Trust.

The number of 'available paediatric intensive care beds' is counted at 31 March each year. This figure is just intensive care and does not include high dependency beds. Figures are submitted annually on form KH03 by each NHS Trust.