Nearly 3,000 patients daily are being left in hospital corridors without proper care or equipment, sparking concerns about their safety and dignity. This is according to new data published by NHS England, revealing a widespread issue that has long been hidden from public view.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, is among those condemning the practice. "Three thousand corridor care cases a day is three thousand too many," she says, highlighting the risks of infection, falls and delays in treatment faced by vulnerable patients. Age UK argues that being cared for in corridors lacks privacy, dignity and essential medical attention, making it a 'dehumanising and unsafe' experience.
The practice of treating patients in non-clinical areas is usually due to a lack of available beds or space within designated wards. This can occur when emergency departments are overwhelmed and there's insufficient capacity to admit patients promptly. The new data paints a national picture, previously understood largely through local reports and anecdotal evidence.
The underlying causes of corridor care are complex, including persistent bed shortages, staffing challenges across the NHS and pressures on social care services. Delayed discharges, where medically fit patients remain in hospital beds due to inadequate care packages or residential placements, can exacerbate bed shortages and contribute to emergency department backlogs.
Age UK is urging the government and NHS leaders to take urgent action to address the root causes of corridor care. A comprehensive strategy, including increasing hospital bed capacity, improving workforce retention and recruitment, and investing in social care, is seen as crucial in tackling the crisis. Patients experiencing corridor care may face increased risks due to suboptimal environments, and the lack of privacy can be deeply distressing for those with complex needs or at the end of life.