This chapter outlines the indications for admissions to the critical care unit (CrCU), and role of scoring systems to aid admission. The admission criteria should be based on need of the patient rather than bed availability. A number of steps could be taken if a critically ill patient presents in the absence of an available bed in the unit. The choice is often determined by the severity of illness, haemodynamic stability, ease of oxygenation, necessity of advanced interventions, time of the day and availability of medical staff. Patients who are deemed to have irreversible or severe organ system damage which is likely to prevent reasonable recovery should have treatment limits in place. All admitted patients should be handed over to one of the critical care doctors. A timely discharge from the CrCU is just as important as timely admission.