NHS Hospital Creates Role to Address Corridor Care Crisis

A Sussex hospital's job listing for a 'corridor care doctor' highlights the severe overcrowding and systemic pressures facing emergency departments across the UK.

• University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust posted a job for a doctor to focus on treating elderly patients in A&E corridors due to overcrowding.
• The role was created as corridor care has become normalized, with evidence showing it increases risks of morbidity and mortality, particularly for frail older patients.
• A report from the Royal College of Physicians revealed that 80% of hospital doctors have treated patients in inappropriate spaces such as corridors, chairs, and waiting rooms in the past month.
• Health leaders, including Dr. Adrian Boyle of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, called the situation dangerous and unacceptable, urging the government to increase hospital capacity and address delayed discharges.
• The NHS continues to face severe pressures, with record-high norovirus cases and over 95% of adult hospital beds occupied, contributing to the strain on emergency departments.

3 Articles

The Independent The Telegraph The Times