Elderly Face Shocking A&E Corridor Waits

Analysis from the Nuffield Trust think tank shows that individuals over the age of 80 are disproportionately affected by long waits in Accident & Emergency departments. In 2025, a concerning 43% of this age group endured waits of more than 12 hours before being admitted to a hospital ward.

These lengthy delays often occur in makeshift spaces or corridors, compromising patient safety and comfort. Health officials express deep concern, noting that such "corridor care" has become increasingly common since 2022. The situation has led to thousands of avoidable deaths annually, with patients experiencing frightening and traumatic care.

Experts from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the British Medical Association emphasize that current approaches have failed to resolve the crisis. While the government has begun publishing data on corridor care, concerns remain about its utility and potential for manipulation. The target of 95% of patients being seen within four hours has not been met since July 2015.