Responding to the Royal College of Physicians’ snapshot survey on ‘corridor care’, BMA consultants committee co-chair Dr Helen Neary said:

“These survey findings provide further evidence of what any doctor working in emergency care will tell you – that ‘corridor care’ is sadly now the norm. Even in the height of summer, the majority of them are having to treat patients in inappropriate spaces, without dignity, without privacy and without the right tools to do their jobs safely.

“Now, going into winter, despite loud voices from the front line describing the problem, we still don’t have a clear national picture of the true extent of this crisis. Data on corridor care, long-promised from NHS England, is yet to materialise – and without this, organisations cannot be held to account.

“As this survey shows, not only is corridor care unsafe and undignified for patients, it is also pushing doctors out of the door when we need them most. It is hard to feel professional pride in what you do when you’re reduced to treating patients in cupboards and waiting rooms.

“To stop patients from coming to harm whilst waiting in corridors and indeed in ambulances queued outside emergency departments, it is clear that hospital capacity needs to be restored by, amongst other things, urgently tackling the blocks to discharging patients from hospital into social care. The blocks to flow in through the entrance of hospitals cannot be fixed without addressing the blocks at the exit.”

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.

• More information available from the RCP.