NHS Faces Winter Pressures Amid Endemic Corridor Care and Ambulance Delays
Published 9 December 2025
Highlights
- NHS plans to address winter pressures include deploying extra GPs and utilizing Midland Metropolitan Hospital capacity.
- Corridor care is "endemic" in UK hospitals, with 17.7% of patients treated in non-standard areas due to overcrowding.
- Ambulance delays are significant, with a third of West Midlands ambulances waiting outside hospitals.
- The Royal College of Emergency Medicine highlights patient safety risks associated with long waits and corridor care.
- Industrial action by resident doctors is expected from 17 December, potentially exacerbating the crisis.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: NHS Faces Winter Pressures Amid Endemic Corridor Care and Ambulance Delays
As the UK braces for winter, the National Health Service (NHS) is implementing measures to mitigate the anticipated strain on emergency departments. NHS leaders are preparing to deploy additional general practitioners (GPs) and utilize the capacity at the Midland Metropolitan Hospital in Smethwick to alleviate pressure on Birmingham and Black Country hospitals. This comes in response to a critical incident declared by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust after 269 inpatients, including nine in critical condition, overwhelmed the A&E department.
Corridor Care and Overcrowding
A recent study by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) reveals that corridor care is now "endemic" in UK hospitals, with nearly one in five patients receiving treatment in non-standard areas such as hallways and offices. This practice, which contravenes national guidelines, poses significant patient safety risks. Dr. Ian Higginson, RCEM president, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, noting that long waits in emergency departments can lead to excess deaths.
Ambulance Delays and Capacity Challenges
The West Midlands has seen a third of its ambulances delayed outside hospitals, unable to admit patients promptly. This has resulted in prolonged waits for patients experiencing serious conditions like chest pain or strokes. David Melbourne, chief executive of NHS Birmingham and Solihull and NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, highlighted the need for immediate action to prevent further deterioration as winter approaches.
Impending Industrial Action
The situation is further complicated by planned industrial action from resident doctors starting 17 December. This could exacerbate existing challenges, leading to increased gridlock in emergency departments. The NHS is considering launching winter plans earlier than usual to address these potential disruptions.
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Scenario Analysis
The NHS's proactive measures may provide some relief, but the systemic issues of overcrowding and corridor care require long-term solutions. The impending industrial action by doctors could intensify the crisis, necessitating swift negotiations to avert further strain on the healthcare system. Experts warn that without significant government intervention and investment, patient safety risks will continue to escalate, potentially leading to more severe outcomes during the winter months. As the situation unfolds, the NHS's ability to adapt and respond will be critical in safeguarding public health.
As the UK braces for winter, the National Health Service (NHS) is implementing measures to mitigate the anticipated strain on emergency departments. NHS leaders are preparing to deploy additional general practitioners (GPs) and utilize the capacity at the Midland Metropolitan Hospital in Smethwick to alleviate pressure on Birmingham and Black Country hospitals. This comes in response to a critical incident declared by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust after 269 inpatients, including nine in critical condition, overwhelmed the A&E department.
Corridor Care and Overcrowding
A recent study by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) reveals that corridor care is now "endemic" in UK hospitals, with nearly one in five patients receiving treatment in non-standard areas such as hallways and offices. This practice, which contravenes national guidelines, poses significant patient safety risks. Dr. Ian Higginson, RCEM president, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, noting that long waits in emergency departments can lead to excess deaths.
Ambulance Delays and Capacity Challenges
The West Midlands has seen a third of its ambulances delayed outside hospitals, unable to admit patients promptly. This has resulted in prolonged waits for patients experiencing serious conditions like chest pain or strokes. David Melbourne, chief executive of NHS Birmingham and Solihull and NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, highlighted the need for immediate action to prevent further deterioration as winter approaches.
Impending Industrial Action
The situation is further complicated by planned industrial action from resident doctors starting 17 December. This could exacerbate existing challenges, leading to increased gridlock in emergency departments. The NHS is considering launching winter plans earlier than usual to address these potential disruptions.
What this might mean
The NHS's proactive measures may provide some relief, but the systemic issues of overcrowding and corridor care require long-term solutions. The impending industrial action by doctors could intensify the crisis, necessitating swift negotiations to avert further strain on the healthcare system. Experts warn that without significant government intervention and investment, patient safety risks will continue to escalate, potentially leading to more severe outcomes during the winter months. As the situation unfolds, the NHS's ability to adapt and respond will be critical in safeguarding public health.
