In a troubling revelation, new data from NHS England indicates that over 2,200 patients received treatment in hospital corridors or makeshift areas each day in May 2026. This alarming trend highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the National Health Service, particularly within emergency departments, where adequate patient care is increasingly compromised due to overwhelming demand.
Shocking Statistics Reveal Scale of the Issue
During May, nearly 3,000 patients were treated in corridors or temporary spaces across NHS facilities, with 20 specific trusts accounting for more than half of these cases. The London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust reported the highest rate, with an average of over 100 patients receiving care in corridors each day. Other trusts with significant corridor care numbers included Royal Free London, with 86 cases, and Lewisham & Greenwich, also in London, tallying 77 cases.
This data was released by NHS England for the first time, shedding light on the extent of corridor care, defined as treatment that does not occur in a clinically appropriate and safe environment. Such conditions often lack essential services, including privacy, access to food and water, and basic facilities like toilets.
Breakdown of Corridor Care Cases
The figures reveal that corridor care constituted between 3% and 4% of patients entering hospitals through Accident & Emergency (A&E). The latest data also categorises patients receiving treatment, awaiting assessment, or those needing admission or transfer but does not encompass delays in ambulance handovers.
Among the trusts responsible for corridor care in hospital wards, North Bristol NHS Trust reported the highest number, with 40 patients treated in inappropriate settings. This was followed by University Hospitals Sussex and Mid Yorkshire Hospitals, with 39 and 32 cases, respectively.
Trust Responses to Corridor Care Concerns
In response to these concerning figures, various NHS trusts have expressed their commitment to improving patient care. Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals stated, “This is not the experience we would want for our patients.” They are actively working on strategies to alleviate the pressure on Emergency Departments, including the establishment of a new Urgent Treatment Centre and ongoing refurbishments to enhance patient privacy and comfort.
Similarly, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has prioritised the elimination of corridor care. They are directing more patients to their Urgent Treatment Centre, which has shown early signs of success in reducing the number of patients receiving care in corridors.
Dr. Helen Skinner, Chief Medical Officer at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Caring for patients in a corridor is not what we want for our patients.” She emphasised their commitment to improving patient flow and ensuring dignity and compassion throughout the care process.
Acknowledging the Challenges Ahead
The NHS trusts have acknowledged the persistent issues contributing to corridor care, including unprecedented patient demand and slow discharge processes. Talib Yaseen, Chief Nursing Officer at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, expressed regret for patients experiencing care in such unacceptable conditions, stating, “We are sorry to anyone who has experienced corridor care at Mid Yorkshire.”
The struggle to manage patient care effectively amid rising numbers and limited resources is a reality that NHS staff are acutely aware of.
Why it Matters
The publication of these figures is a wake-up call for the NHS and the government, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure that patient care is prioritised in safe and appropriate settings. As the NHS grapples with increasing pressures, it is vital to address the root causes of corridor care to restore public confidence and ensure that every patient receives the dignity and quality of care they deserve.
