Tipperary hospital staff crowned fittest ICU team in Ireland

In spring of this year, the Intensive Care Unit staff at St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin organized a fitness challenge.

Inspired by the success of Ireland’s Fittest Emergency Department challenge, they extended the challenge to all ICUs across the country.

Tipperary University Hospital emerged as the overall winners, narrowly beating Tallaght University Hospital by two points over the four-week period.

According to Hospital Manager, Maria Barry: "We're so proud of our ICU team. They're a great example to all of us. They work in one of the most demanding areas of any hospital. To see them demonstrate such a healthy work life balance and get fit doing it is a testament to them as people and sets a brilliant example for the rest of us."

Across 19 ICUs, a total of 649 people participated, covering 39,095 km walked, 13,416 km ran, 15,707 km cycled, and 354 km swam.

The effort put in by each individual unit was inspirational.

There were staff with all levels of fittest participating.

The challenge ran from April 1st to April 24th. The competition was open to all grades of staff that were working in the ICUs.
Participants earned points for every kilometre they walked, ran, cycled, or swam.

Specifically:
Walking or running: 1 point per kilometre.
Cycling: 0.33 points per kilometre.
Swimming: 3 points per kilometre.

It’s inspiring to see healthcare professionals coming together for a healthy cause.

TippUH continued their commitment to health and fitness, by completing the additional 100k challenge in June.