Almost 60% of doctors provided patient care in unconventional settings such as hospital corridors, offices, and even cupboards during the summer months, as per a recent survey. This trend of corridor care appears to have become a common occurrence for medical professionals throughout the year, not just in winter, according to the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).
The survey conducted by RCP revealed that nearly three in five doctors had administered care in makeshift locations between June and August, including corridors, gyms, and offices. A significant portion, 45%, reported doing so on a daily or near-daily basis, with the majority expressing concerns about compromised patient privacy and dignity, as well as the physical challenges of clinical practice.
Of those who had resorted to providing care in such spaces, 72% felt compelled to do so, with 66% considering it the new standard practice. Alarmingly, 8% admitted that the experience had made them contemplate leaving their profession altogether. One doctor recounted treating patients, including one with a brain abscess, in front of a vending machine, labeling it as “a new low.”
The RCP is calling on the NHS to address this issue by implementing strategies to enhance patient flow, discharge processes, and committing to long-term investments in social care. Dr. Hilary Williams, RCP’s clinical vice president, emphasized the need for urgent systemic changes to ensure that patients receive care in secure, private, and adequately equipped environments.
Rory Deighton, the acute and community care director at the NHS Confederation, expressed concern over the impact of corridor care on healthcare staff, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen community support and reduce hospital admissions. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the severity of corridor care within the NHS and outlined measures being taken to address the issue, including increased funding for urgent care services and ambulance upgrades.
In a survey of 553 physicians across the UK conducted by RCP between September 3 and 17, the prevalence of corridor care and its implications were underscored, highlighting the need for immediate action to alleviate strain on healthcare providers and ensure optimal patient care.
