Doctors confirm ‘corridor care’ crisis as 80% forced to treat patients in unsafe spaces
A new snapshot survey by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) highlights the worsening crisis in NHS hospitals, where a lack of capacity is pushing vulnerable patients into undignified and unsafe conditions.
The survey gathered responses from almost a thousand (961) physicians across the UK, spanning a wide range of specialties - including cardiology, respiratory medicine, and general internal medicine - who report firsthand the challenges of delivering care in temporary spaces.
The findings show that 78% of respondents had provided care in a temporary environment in the past month. Of the 889 respondents who gave further details on where this care was delivered, locations included corridors (45%), additional beds or chairs in patient bays (27%), wards without dedicated bed space (13%), waiting rooms (9%), another location not designed for patient care e.g. bathroom (4.5%).
The consequences of treating patients in unsuitable spaces are severe. 90% of doctors reported compromised patient privacy and dignity, while 81% faced physical difficulties delivering care. Additionally, 75% struggled with access to vital equipment or facilities, and 58% saw patient safety directly compromised. The impact on doctors themselves was also significant, with 61% reporting increased personal stress.
Source: Royal College of Physicians, 26 February 2025
Further reading on the hub:
The crisis of corridor care in the NHS: patient safety concerns and incident reporting
Patient Safety Learning's response to RCN report: on the frontline of the UK’s corridor care crisis
How corridor care in the NHS is affecting safety culture: A blog by Claire Cox
A silent safety scandal: A nurse’s first-hand account of a corridor nursing shift