Almost 20% of A&E patients in England were found to be receiving care on trolleys or chairs this summer, according to a new survey released today. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine conducted the research and labeled the practice of providing care in corridors as a “national shame,” highlighting the potential risks to patients. The survey, which sought input from clinical leads overseeing A&E departments, revealed that 19% of patients were being treated on trolleys or chairs in corridors, while 34% had patients cared for in ambulances outside the departments.
Additionally, 78% of respondents expressed concerns that patients were being harmed due to the compromised quality of care under these conditions. One patient shared their experience, expressing feeling forgotten and vulnerable while waiting in a corridor, leading to a loss of confidence in seeking A&E care unless absolutely necessary.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine presented the findings to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Emergency Care, shedding light on the challenges faced by A&E departments. A public poll conducted by Ipsos for the APPG indicated that 58% of individuals lack confidence in receiving timely care at their local A&E.
The report echoes concerns raised by Age UK, which highlighted the plight of elderly patients waiting in hospital corridors, witnessing distressing scenes. Dr. Ian Higginson, President of The Royal College of Emergency Medicine, emphasized the dire situation in A&E departments, calling it a matter of national shame. The report underscores the strain on healthcare professionals and the risks posed to patient safety due to inadequate resources and capacity.
Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan, an emergency doctor chairing the APPG, emphasized the urgent need for increased support and resources for the NHS to address the systemic issues contributing to corridor care. The Royal College of Nursing’s General Secretary, Professor Nicola Ranger, expressed alarm at the prolonged suffering endured by patients in emergency departments, attributing the crisis to staffing shortages and overwhelming demand.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the unacceptable nature of corridor care and pledged to address the issue by investing in urgent care centers, ambulances, mental health crisis facilities, and vaccination programs. The government aims to enhance the healthcare system’s capacity to ensure timely and dignified care for patients, particularly during the upcoming winter season.
