A recent survey revealed that nearly three out of five physicians provided patient care in unconventional settings such as hospital corridors, offices, and even cupboards during the summer months. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) highlighted that this trend of “corridor care” has sadly become a common occurrence for healthcare professionals, extending beyond the usual winter period.
Some doctors expressed contemplating early retirement due to this issue. The survey conducted by RCP indicated that 59% of respondents had delivered care in temporary spaces between June and August, with 45% doing so daily or almost daily. Concerningly, 94% reported compromised patient privacy and dignity, and 81% faced physical challenges in their clinical practice.
Of those involved in “corridor care,” 72% felt compelled to provide care in such conditions, while 66% considered it the new norm. Shockingly, 8% admitted that the experience had led them to consider leaving their positions. The RCP emphasized the urgent need for systemic changes within the NHS to enhance patient flow, discharge processes, and long-term investments in social care.
Dr. Hilary Williams, RCP’s clinical vice president, stressed the strain that delivering care in inadequate spaces places on healthcare staff, emphasizing the necessity for patients to receive care in secure and properly equipped environments. The NHS Confederation’s Rory Deighton acknowledged the distressing impact of corridor care on healthcare workers and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen community support to reduce hospital demand.
The Department of Health and Social Care expressed shock at the prevalence of corridor care within the NHS and outlined initiatives to address this longstanding issue, including expanding urgent care capacity and upgrading ambulance services with additional funding. The department also underscored the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from COVID-19 and flu through vaccination programs and collaborating with NHS leaders to implement robust winter plans for patient care.
The survey, which involved 553 physicians across the UK, was conducted by the RCP between September 3 and 17.