A recent investigation by the BBC has unveiled a staggering reality in the North-West’s healthcare system: more than 52,000 patients experienced waits exceeding 24 hours for admission to hospitals last year. This alarming situation, often referred to as “corridor care,” sees patients left on trolleys or crammed into chairs in Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments due to a critical shortage of available beds. The Royal College of Nursing has labelled this phenomenon a “national emergency,” urging immediate government action to address the systemic failures that have led to such dire circumstances.
Escalating Demand and Strain on Services
NHS England has acknowledged that this winter is on track to be the busiest on record, with hospitals grappling with escalating demand that has persisted for several years. Dr Michael Gregory, the regional medical director for NHS England in the North West, expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs. He stated, “Providing care in corridors is not what we want for our patients, and we are working hard to reduce the use of corridor care and tackle long waits.”
The grim reality is that patients do not simply wait in A&E; they are often left in limbo for hours before a clinician officially decides on their admission. Alarmingly, the clock for these waits starts only after this decision is made, meaning that patients may have already spent significant time in the system before their admission is recorded.
In December 2025, the number of patients waiting more than 12 hours ballooned to 10,658, a stark increase from just 101 in December 2018. This data reflects a troubling trend: nearly 18% of patients entering hospitals from A&E now endure long waits, with some individuals remaining in A&E for as long as three days.
A Damning Freedom of Information Request
To further illuminate the issue, a Freedom of Information Request revealed that in 2025, a staggering 52,015 patients in the North West waited over 24 hours for a hospital bed, with 6,893 enduring waits exceeding 48 hours. Although often attributed to “winter pressures,” the investigation showed that such waits were not exclusive to the colder months—12,458 patients experienced waits over 24 hours during the summer months of May to August.
The situation has created a distressing environment for both patients and medical staff. The Royal College of Nursing has been vocal about the emotional toll on healthcare workers. Simon Browes, the college’s North West regional director, recounted that many nurses arrive at work feeling anxious or upset, with some even breaking down in their cars before starting their shifts.
The Human Cost of Corridor Care
Corridor care has become so entrenched in the healthcare system that hospitals have begun to designate staff specifically for these areas, treating them as if they were another ward. However, the lack of privacy and adequate facilities exacerbates the discomfort of patients and hinders their recovery. Families have reported distressing situations, including patients being left unattended and having to manage basic needs without assistance.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has referred to the situation as a “national shame,” highlighting the urgent need for reform. Browes warned of the dire consequences of the current state of affairs, stating, “We’re going to see people dying who should not die.”
The disparity in wait times across hospitals is also concerning, with institutions like Whiston, Royal Blackburn, and Royal Preston struggling significantly compared to others, such as Manchester hospitals, which have seen fewer long waits.
Root Causes of the Crisis
The reasons behind this current crisis are multifaceted, many of which lie beyond the control of individual hospitals. A significant contributor is the ongoing crisis in social care, which leaves vulnerable elderly patients stuck in hospital beds because suitable care packages cannot be arranged. Despite government initiatives aimed at shifting healthcare focus from hospitals to community settings, the reality is that the demand for inpatient care continues to outstrip supply, with bed numbers dwindling compared to two decades ago.
In January, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a government commitment to end corridor care by the end of the current parliament in 2029. However, Browes insists that immediate action is critical. He noted a worrying trend of declining applications for nursing degree programmes—over a 30% reduction compared to five years ago—alongside unprecedented attrition rates from nursing courses.
Dr Gregory reiterated the challenges faced by the NHS, stating, “It is well known that we have an ageing population and people often have multiple, complex health conditions.” He acknowledged that, despite the hard work of staff under increasingly difficult circumstances, patients are still experiencing extended waits and receiving care in corridors.
Why it Matters
The findings of this investigation highlight a pressing public health crisis that transcends mere statistics. The reality of corridor care is not just a logistical failure; it represents a profound erosion of dignity and quality in patient care. As the NHS grapples with a perfect storm of increasing demand, inadequate resources, and systemic pressures, the implications for public health are severe. If urgent measures are not taken to address these issues, the fabric of the healthcare system may continue to unravel, putting lives at risk and undermining the very principles of care that the NHS stands for.
