Almost 20% of patients in English A&E departments were found to be receiving care on trolleys or chairs this summer, according to a new survey released today by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. The research identified corridor care as a significant issue endangering lives, with 19% of patients being treated in corridors and 34% in ambulances outside the departments.
The strain on the NHS was evident, as 78% of respondents expressed concerns about patient safety due to the limitations on the quality of care provided under such conditions. Testimonies from patients highlighted the negative impact of corridor care on their confidence and well-being, with one individual expressing feeling forgotten and vulnerable during their experience.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine conducted the research for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Emergency Care. Public polling by Ispsos for the APPG revealed that 58% of people lack confidence in the timely service provided by A&E departments.
This report follows a previous study by Age UK, which discovered elderly patients spending hours in hospital corridors, witnessing distressing scenes. Dr. Ian Higginson, President of The Royal College of Emergency Medicine, condemned the prevalence of corridor care, labeling it a national disgrace.
The need for better-funded social care to alleviate the burden on hospital resources was emphasized. Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan, who chairs the APPG and is an emergency doctor, highlighted the challenges faced by patients nationwide due to the strained healthcare system.
The Royal College of Nursing’s General Secretary, Professor Nicola Ranger, echoed concerns about the prolonged suffering of patients in emergency departments and the strain on healthcare professionals. The report underscored the urgent need for increased resources and support for frontline staff to uphold care standards and ensure patient safety.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the issue, stating that care in corridors is unacceptable and pledged to address the problem by investing in urgent care centers, ambulances, mental health crisis facilities, and vaccination programs. The spokeswoman emphasized the importance of transparency in reporting waiting times and interventions to eradicate corridor care practices from the healthcare system.