Intensive care units (ICUs) in Ireland 'are coping' despite the current pressure due to coronavirus - but there's a warning they only guarantee space to patients who need it if the rate of COVID-19 growth continues to fall.
Latest data shows 158 people have been admitted to ICUs across the country, with units in Dublin said to be under the most pressure.
There are now more than 4,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Republic and 137 people have died.
Data shows the rate of COVID-19 infection here has fallen to 10% or below recently - but Dr Catherine Motherway, President of the Intensive Care Society, said there's no room for complacency.
Speaking to Susan Keogh on Newstalk Breakfast, Dr Motherway said: "In relation to the rate of infection, that has come down we think - and that has to be a good thing.
"How reliable that is in relation to testing is obviously a concern... but it's really important that people remember testing is important, absolutely, to isolate and contact people: but if you think you have the disease, behave as if you have the disease."
She said the rate of infection does appear to be 7.7% - but it needs to get lower.
In terms of ICUs in particular, Dr Motherway said they are definitely under pressure in the east and north-west, but they have "coped with that pressure by surging according to their surge plans".
Image via HPSCShe said Ireland had more warning that China and Italy about the potential impact of COVID-19 - and that has allowed hospitals to prepare and plan for a rise in cases.
She noted: "We still have capacity within the system.
"But it is absolutely imperative that nobody takes that as a given, that everything is fine. We absolutely need to flatten that curve - it is really important."
She said there has been some good news that at least 20 patients discharged alive from ICUs so far.
Dr Motherway observed: "It's only now we're beginning to see the discharges.
"The successful discharges are something to celebrate, and for those who've lost their lives we offer our sympathies. We will do our level best."
She also suggested that now is the time for Irish industry to look at making its own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare staff if at all possible, as there is a global problem in terms of securing PPE for frontline workers.
