How many elderly patients faced long hospital waits according to Age UK?

Over 50,000 patients aged 80 and over waited up to three days for a hospital bed last year.

What are the conditions described for patients waiting in A&E?

Patients have been left on floors, told to wash in toilet sinks, and spent days in A&E corridors.

What does Age UK recommend to address long A&E waits?

Age UK calls for a government plan to slash waits, end corridor care, and appoint a dedicated minister.

Home / Health / UK Hospitals: Elderly Patients Endure 3-Day Waits

UK Hospitals: Elderly Patients Endure 3-Day Waits

21 Jan

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Summary

Over 50,000 elderly patients waited up to three days for hospital beds last year.
More than 100,000 people over 65 spent one to three days in A&E.
Some elderly patients were left on the floor and told to wash in toilet sinks.

UK Hospitals: Elderly Patients Endure 3-Day Waits

Last year, over 50,000 patients aged 80 and older faced hospital bed waits stretching up to three days. The situation is so dire that some elderly individuals were left languishing on floors and instructed to use toilet sinks for basic hygiene.

In total, more than 100,000 individuals over 65 spent between one and three days in A&E corridors and waiting rooms. Age UK highlighted that extremely unwell patients are routinely left for extended periods, describing the conditions as 'horrific' and 'soul destroying'.

These figures, obtained via a Freedom of Information request for April 2018 to March 2025, reveal the scale of the crisis. Age UK is urging the government to implement a funded plan with clear deadlines to reduce A&E waits and abolish corridor care.