Royal College of Emergency Medicine: The State of Emergency Medicine in England (8 June 2026)

Summary

The estimated number of deaths linked to long waits in Emergency Departments across England has surged almost tenfold over the past decade. 

That’s according to new analysis published in the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s (RCEM) ‘State of Emergency Medicine in England’ report, which conservatively estimates that there were 15,860 excess deaths associated with long waiting times in English EDs in 2025.  That’s the lives of 305 people lost every week. 

While the number of deaths is slightly lower than 2024 (16,644), further analysis reveals that the estimated mortality figure increased almost tenfold when compared to 2015 (1,657).

RCEM’s report examines the scale of overcrowding in EDs and the impact this is having on patient safety and staff. Drawing on national data, research and frontline evidence from clinicians, it highlights how long waits, high bed occupancy and a lack of patient flow continue to lead to overcrowded emergency departments.  Long waits are closely linked to an increased chance of death within the following 30 days.  

Further analysis for the previous year concerningly reveals nearly half a million people (489,138) waited 24 hours or more in EDs across England. This has increased by around 150,000 patients in just 3 years.