Emergency Departments Face Severe Overcrowding as Corridor Care Increases

Hospitals across the United Kingdom experienced one of their busiest days of the year in A&E departments, with a significant number of patients receiving treatment in corridors and other non‑clinical areas due to sustained overcrowding. Recent studies and reporting indicate that emergency units continue to operate beyond their intended capacity, raising concerns about patient safety and staff workload.

A University of Bristol study found that nearly one in five emergency patients were treated in “escalation areas,” including corridors and waiting rooms, during peak periods in 2025. Researchers recorded more than 10,000 patients receiving care in such spaces across 165 consultant‑led emergency departments, reflecting the scale of pressure on the system. These areas are typically used only when standard clinical spaces are full; however, the study shows that they have become a routine part of emergency care.

A separate analysis by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s Trainee Emergency Research Network reported similar findings, noting that more than half of patients in escalation areas were placed in non‑clinical spaces such as corridors. The study highlighted that some patients waited extended periods for inpatient beds, with corridor care described as “endemic” across many sites.

The issue is particularly acute for older patients. Age UK’s review of NHS England data showed a sharp rise in long waits for people aged 65 and over, including more than 100,000 instances of waits lasting between one and three days after a decision to admit had been made. The charity noted that older adults are disproportionately affected by delays and corridor care, reflecting broader pressures on hospital capacity and social care support.

Health experts warn that persistent overcrowding in A&E departments can compromise care quality, delay treatment, and increase strain on clinical staff. The findings underscore ongoing challenges within the NHS, including bed shortages, rising demand, and the need for long‑term strategies to improve patient flow and reduce waiting times. Policymakers and healthcare leaders continue to face calls for increased investment, improved discharge processes, and expanded community‑based care to ease pressure on emergency services.

This summary reflects verified information from recent studies and public data, providing a factual overview of the conditions contributing to corridor care and its impact on patients and staff across the UK.