GPICS V3 (2026) is the definitive reference source for the planning, commissioning and delivery of adult intensive care services in the UK. 

In collaboration with the Intensive Care Society, GPICS V3 builds on previous editions to encompass the lessons learned during COVID-19, emerging literature, and changing practice and opinion. 

This latest version is broken down into five sections covering intensive care structure, workforce, clinical care, service development and preparedness. Each section contains multiple chapters and is broken down into an introduction, minimum standards, recommendations for a quality service, background and explanation, and references. 

For V3, the previously named ‘standards’ have been renamed ‘minimum standards’ and are defined as something we expect all ICUs in the UK to be able to meet. 

‘Recommendations’ are now ‘recommendations for a quality service’ and are intended to act as markers for a high quality intensive care service. 

More detailed information about the changes to V3 can be found in the introduction. 

Editions

The first version of GPICS was published in 2015. In 2016, GPICS Edition 1 was subject to a review. Edition 2 began in Summer 2017 and was published Summer 2019. Edition 2.1 was published in Summer 2022.