‘This cannot become the accepted norm; it is shameful, and it’s putting lives at risk’

RCEM responds to RCP ‘Corridor Care’ survey results

Today, 26 February 2025, the Royal College of Physicians has published the result of a snap survey of its members focusing on the prevalence of so called ‘corridor care’.

The results once again evidence the sheer scale of the problem which sees patients treated in non-clinical areas when the level of demand exceeds the space available.

The poll was conducted between 3-16 February 2025, with 961 physicians sharing their experience.

The results show:

• 78% of respondents had provided care in a temporary environment in the previous month.
• Of these, the spaces used included corridors (45%), waiting rooms (9%) with some even saying medical care had been provided in toilets.
• Describing the impact that treating people in such places 90% of respondents said patients’ privacy and dignity was compromised, 81% said clinical practice was physically difficult, and 80% said patient confidentiality was compromised.

Responding, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Dr Adrian Boyle, said: “Yet again we have those on the very frontline of providing medical care describing in stark detail the prevalence and effect of so called ‘corridor care’ and the resultant lack of patient dignity, confidentiality and safety.

“This cannot become the accepted norm; it is shameful, and it’s putting lives at risk.

“In Emergency Departments overcrowding, and the resulting need to treat people in corridors, is mainly caused by the lack of in-patient beds for those who need to be admitted.

“The problems within our walls are often caused and exacerbated by issues elsewhere in the system such as people occupying precious ward beds even though they are well enough to be discharged.

“And who are often unable to leave because the social care support needed for them to do so safely is lacking. Just last month in England that figure averaged at more than 13,600 beds every day.

“If those beds were available, it would make a huge difference, bringing hospital occupancy down to a safe level which is no more than 85% full, and allowing the system to function as it should.

“Without making more beds available this undignified, unacceptable and unsafe situation will continue. Addressing it must be a political priority for the government, and right at the top of the new NHS England interim CEO’s ‘to do’ list.”