Responding to new BMJ data showing a significant rise in long A+E waits, Executive Director of RCN England, Patricia Marquis, said:

 

“Long, tortuous waits in A&E are the sign of a health and care system under severe pressure and unable to meet demand. They're also a clear indicator that corridor care is taking place, with patients in many hospitals routinely receiving treatment in inappropriate spaces such as store cupboards, waiting rooms and even toilets. These unacceptable conditions are unsafe, deprive patients of their dignity, and leave nursing staff incredibly distressed at the levels of care they are forced to provide.

 

“Be it coordinating discharge from hospital to improve patient flow, or keeping people healthy at home and easing pressure on hospital services, nurses are key to improving patient care and bringing down waits. That’s why the government must provide immediate and sustained investment to boost beds and nurse numbers in hospitals but, crucially, also commit to measures that increase capacity and access to services in the community and social care. Only then will it begin to tackle the epidemic of long and dangerous waits in A+Es and give patients the care they deserve.”