Nearly 3,000 NHS patients a day get care in corridors in England, figures show

New data shows 2,241 patients a day were in corridors, and 699 patients were in other wrong places.

Published 11 June 2026 109 words
SOCIETY A1
Nearly 3,000 NHS patients a day get care in corridors in England, figures show

Almost 3,000 people a day in England are getting care in hospital corridors. This happens when there are no beds in the emergency rooms. These figures are official.

Corridor care is when a patient is treated in a place that is not good for them. It is not safe and it is not respectful.

New data from NHS England shows that every day in May, 2,241 patients were in a wrong place in an emergency room for more than 45 minutes. Also, 699 patients a day were in other wrong places, like cupboards or car parks.

Some hospitals have much more corridor care than others. Many doctors say this is a big problem and must stop.

Vocabulary

emergency rooms — The part of a hospital where people go if they are very sick or hurt.
patient — A person who is getting medical help from a doctor or hospital.
beds — A piece of furniture for sleeping on, or for a patient to lie on in a hospital.
official figures — Information that is confirmed by a government or authority.
respectful — Showing politeness and good manners towards someone or something.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is corridor care?
  2. How many patients a day get corridor care in England?
  3. Where else are patients treated if not in a proper room?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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