ICU bed capacity low in Triangle

Across the Triangle, ICU's are reaching capacity. On average, only 15% of ICU beds were available among the four major hospitals in the Triangle.

WakeMed in Cary reported only one bed in the ICU was open in the week ending on Dec. 10. Duke Health in Raleigh had two beds.

UNC Rex has the most space, locally, but was still at 82% capacity, according to the data. WakeMed in Raleigh was at 90% capacity with seven beds available.

Locally, most hospitals have a lower rate of availability. The information is reported to the U.S. Health Department and updated regularly. It counts the number of COVID patients in hospitals and ICUs as well as the space available.

“While rising infections throughout the community are posing concerns, we are currently able to accommodate severely ill patients who need our hospital care," said Duke Health officials in an email. "We are adept at managing heightened demand for ICU beds and are monitoring the situation closely. We also urge people in the community to do their utmost to stem the spread of COVID 19 by wearing masks in public, washing hands regularly and avoiding gatherings with others outside immediate households.”

The new tool created by The New York Times allows all users to look at hospitals in their region.