A new survey by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has revealed that around one in three of the sickest A&E patients in Wales are being treated in corridors, cupboards or other non‑designated areas – and that this was recorded on what some clinical leads described as a “quieter than usual” day.
The survey, conducted on Monday 16 February, gathered data from clinical leads across all 12 Emergency Departments in Wales, providing a detailed snapshot of frontline conditions.
The data shows that:
- 704 patients were in EDs that day
- 304 patients were waiting for inpatient beds
- Of those awaiting beds, 32% were being treated in inappropriate spaces
- Wales had only 277 designated treatment spaces available
This means there were more patients waiting for admission than there were actual cubicles available, making corridor care unavoidable.
Non-designated treatment spaces identified in the survey included corridors, cupboards, and waiting room chairs.
RCEM says these are not suitable or safe for treating seriously unwell patients who require privacy, dignity and close monitoring.
Despite the severity of the findings, several clinical leads told RCEM that the pressures recorded on 16 February were actually quieter than usual, while others said it reflected a typical day.
Further concerning findings include two patients had been waiting in ED for around five days, alongside waits longer than 48 hours were described as “not uncommon”.
RCEM warns that such prolonged waits are not only unsafe but leave patients exposed to distress, deterioration and avoidable harm.
When asked about the root causes of overcrowding:
- 92% of clinical leads said the primary issue was a lack of available inpatient beds
- 83% cited difficulties discharging patients, preventing new admissions
- Only 42% blamed high numbers of patients with less serious conditions
This directly challenges the perception that overcrowded EDs are primarily caused by inappropriate attendances.
RCEM says shortages of beds and delays in discharge create “exit block”, trapping patients in emergency departments and forcing staff to deliver care in unsafe spaces.
Clinical staff expressed deep concern about the conditions, telling RCEM that corridor care is dangerous, undignified, and unfair to patients and families. Doctors also highlighted the emotional toll on staff, who fear they cannot adequately monitor or protect patients in overcrowded, unsuitable environments.
The College warns that Wales’ EDs are operating in conditions that compromise patient safety daily, urging health leaders to prioritise:
- Increasing hospital bed capacity
- Improving discharge processes
- Providing safe spaces with adequate staffing
- Ending reliance on corridor care
Dr Rob Perry, RCEM Vice President for Wales, said:
“All across Wales, Emergency Departments are doing their best to provide care against impossible odds.
“This survey data paints an accurate picture of the state of EDs as overcrowded and providing sub-standard care because of a complete breakdown in hospital flow.
“As we have previously shown, there is a link between long waits in ED and mortality, particularly among patients who require admission to a hospital bed.
“Right now, something is profoundly wrong with our hospital system. Patients are stuck awaiting discharge at the ‘back door’.
“Yet, time and time again, the government has not been able to move the needle on what has become a perma-crisis. All year around, not just in winter, our EDs are overloaded with patients who need beds, and they end up being cared for on floors, plastic chairs, corridors or even cupboards.
“This hurts patients, and the stress of working in such conditions is driving Emergency Medicine staff to despair.
“In May, the people of Wales will vote for who they want to lead the country, and by extension, who will run our health service.
“Whoever wins that election must commit to ending Emergency Department overcrowding. It is literally a matter of life and death.”
The report concludes that treating seriously unwell patients in corridors must never become normalised, and that sustained action is needed to protect both patients and staff.
Image credit: iStock
