Responding to the first set of ‘corridor care’ figures that show on average each day in May in England, 2,241 people spent more than 45 minutes being treated in a clinically inappropriate area of an emergency department, and another 669 in other inappropriate areas elsewhere in a hospital, BMA consultants committee emergency medicine lead Dr Den Langhor said:

“These figures provide long overdue statistical backing and validation for the lived experience of anyone who has spent any time in an emergency department recently - whether that’s patients waiting hours in corridors or reception areas, their loved ones, or staff battling against the odds trying to provide care in the most challenging circumstances.

“It’s scandalous that nearly 3,000 people a day are being treated in inappropriate spaces in hospitals in England. It should be a source of national shame this has been allowed to happen to our health service in the 21st century. Treating patients in corridors isn’t just inappropriate, it’s undignified and often unsafe.

“Publishing these new statistics is a step forward, giving an early insight into the scale of the issue. It comes as a direct result of joint work from the BMA and organisations representing healthcare workers and patients – and now makes it harder for the Government not to act.

“The previous health secretary pledged to end corridor care by the end of this parliament, and we expect the new secretary of state to follow through on this commitment. Today’s figures illustrate the scale of this task – and underline the urgency with which it must happen.”

Ends

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.