More than 60% of emergency nurses fear “corridor care” will see them struck off.  An RCN survey of more than 500 emergency care nurses, revealed that:

  • more than eight in 10 say treatment in non-designated clinical areas, including store rooms, has increased since the beginning of last year. 
  • over nine in 10 raised concerns that patients may be receiving unsafe care, and patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality is compromised.
  • more than six in 10 added that the situation leads to fears of being struck off the nursing register or a court case as a result of patient harm. 
  • two thirds have faced increased violence or aggression from frustrated patients and relatives, while a third said they didn’t feel comfortable to raise concerns about the impact of providing care in inappropriate settings.  

Delegates at the annual conference will discuss the impact of “corridor care” and the “moral injury and distress for nursing staff, knowing they’re providing suboptimal care to patients.” 

RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Pat Cullen said:

“This bleak picture comes from right across the NHS. Patients backed-up through emergency departments is a stark sign of a health and care system grinding to a halt. A corridor is no place to die and no place to work either.

“When ministers fail to grip this situation, they allow patients to pay a high price and nursing staff to work in fear, professionally compromised. Governments must urgently plan and invest to reverse this new trend.”

In response,Andrea Sutcliffe, NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, said:

“We know concerns that may appear to be the result of poor individual practice can actually be caused by systemic pressures and other factors professionals might face. That’s why we always take context into account when concerns are raised with us.

“We look beyond the individual’s actions to understand the role of other people, the culture, conditions and environment they were working in. This is essential to ensuring our processes and decisions are fair for everyone, and that professionals are supported to deliver the safe, effective and kind care people have the right to expect.”

Disclaimer: The accuracy and information of news stories published on this website is accurate on the date of publishing. We endeavour to update stories if information change. You can contact us with change and update requests. Where possible, we will link to sources. Content on this website is for guidance purposes only. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any action taken, or not taken. You should seek the appropriate legal advice having regard to your own particular circumstances.