Managers ‘felt pressured and bullied’ in overcrowded ED

Managers in a major emergency department felt “pressured and bullied not to disclose difficulties” and were left to manage “extreme risk” including avoidable deaths, the Care Quality Commission has reported.

The CQC warned University Hospitals Sussex Foundation Trust it could face enforcement action over concerns about overcrowding and the use of “escalation areas” for emergency care at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

In a report issued today, the hospital’s emergency care was rated “requires improvement” overall, but “inadequate” for safety. It was based on an inspection in February, prompted by concerns raised with the CQC.

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Source: HSJ, 17 December 2025