A major study has revealed that corridor care is 'endemic' in UK hospitals, with one in five patients treated in hallways, offices, cupboards, and other non-clinical areas. The research, conducted by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine's trainee network, analysed data from 165 A&E departments in March 2024.
The study found that 17.7% of patients were receiving care in 'escalation areas'—spaces not routinely used for care unless emergency departments are overwhelmed. This includes corridors, waiting rooms, doubled-up cubicles, offices, cupboards, and ambulances waiting outside for more than 15 minutes.
Dr Ian Higginson, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said the practice is 'shameful' and poses a significant patient safety risk. He noted that patients may be elderly, vulnerable, or children, and that the crisis persists year-round, not just in winter.
The study also highlighted that for every 72 patients waiting 8–12 hours for admission, there is one excess death. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has promised to end corridor care by the next general election, and the Department of Health and Social Care said it will publish corridor waiting figures for the first time to tackle the issue.
