Almost 20% of patients in A&E facilities in England were found to be receiving care on trolleys or chairs, as revealed by a recent survey. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine conducted the research and highlighted the alarming practice of corridor care, emphasizing the risks it poses to patient safety. The survey, which involved clinical leads from A&E departments, exposed that 19% of patients were being treated in corridors, with an additional 34% being cared for in ambulances outside the departments.
The survey indicated that 78% of respondents believed that patients were at risk of harm due to the compromised quality of care resulting from the challenging conditions. One patient shared their experience of feeling forgotten and vulnerable while receiving care in a corridor, expressing concerns about the timeliness and safety of treatment in such circumstances.
This research was compiled by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Emergency Care. A related public poll by Ispsos for the group revealed that 58% of people lack confidence in the timely service provided by A&E departments.
The findings coincide with a recent report by Age UK, which highlighted the distressing reality faced by elderly patients waiting for care in hospital corridors. Dr. Ian Higginson, the President of The Royal College of Emergency Medicine, expressed deep concern over the situation, labeling corridor care as a national embarrassment.
Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan, who chairs the APPG and works as an emergency doctor, emphasized the urgent need for increased support and resources for the NHS to address the challenges faced by frontline staff and ensure quality care for patients.
Responding to the research, Professor Nicola Ranger, the General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, underscored the distress experienced by both patients and healthcare professionals due to the prolonged suffering caused by corridor care. She stressed the need for immediate government intervention to improve care standards and address the overwhelming demand faced by healthcare services.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that receiving care in corridors is unacceptable and undignified. They outlined measures being taken to address the issue, including significant investments in urgent care centers, ambulances, mental health crisis facilities, and vaccination programs. The department emphasized the collective effort required to ensure the NHS remains accessible and responsive to the needs of the public.