A study has found that overcrowding and corridor care in Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments in the UK may be contributing to approximately 550 patient deaths each week. The research, which reviewed data from over 19,000 patients across 134 A&Es in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, indicates that the risk of mortality increases by 1% for every 10% rise in emergency department occupancy. The average occupancy rate in the studied A&Es was reported at 175%, nearly double the intended capacity.
Dr. Ryan McHenry, an emergency medicine doctor and researcher at the University of Glasgow, stated that the findings suggest a direct correlation between increased crowding in emergency departments and higher mortality rates. He emphasized the importance of addressing overcrowding to potentially save lives. The study, presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress in France, estimates that the number of deaths could range from 33 to 1,083 per week, due to the limitations of the study size.
In addition to overcrowding, the research examined the effects of 'corridor care,' where patients receive treatment in non-standard areas, which was also linked to increased mortality risk. Official NHS data indicates that over 3,000 patients were treated in corridors or makeshift areas daily in England during July.
Dr. Felix Lorang, a member of the conference’s abstract selection committee, noted that many emergency departments are functioning beyond their capacity, exacerbated by the 'exit block' phenomenon, where patients cannot be moved to inpatient wards due to bed shortages. Dr. Ian Higginson, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, called for urgent action from policymakers to address the situation, highlighting the detrimental effects on both patients and medical staff. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the challenges faced by the NHS and stated that efforts are underway to alleviate pressure on emergency departments.