Responding to today’s report from the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) on temporary care environments – now commonly known as ‘corridor care’ – BMA consultants committee emergency care lead Dr Den Langhor said:

“This report is the latest damning evidence of how normalised ‘corridor care’ has become in emergency departments across the country.

“Anyone working in, or being treated in, an emergency department will have their experiences of patients being seen in inappropriate spaces every day – whether that’s corridors, waiting rooms, offices or store cupboards.

“What’s particularly disheartening is how accepted it has become – spelled out in this report that it’s often seen by staff as the ‘least worst’ option. Doctors and their colleagues time and time again prove how innovative and flexible they are in the face of huge challenges, but there is only so much that individual hospitals and staff can do to adapt to keep patients safe.

“Ultimately, these are not spaces designed for high-quality, dignified and safe care for some incredibly unwell patients. In the short-term, there are clear risks to patient safety and privacy, and in the long-term, staff become even more demoralised and burned out, considering their futures in the NHS as they’re unable to do their jobs they are so highly-trained to do.

“Stop-gap, local solutions must never become the new normal.

“The Government has pledged to end corridor care. The reality is that this will require investment in staff, in beds and in buildings across the whole system to create the capacity needed to treat patients in safety and dignity.”

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.