Corridor care is becoming routine as NHS hospitals add sockets and call systems

A Health Services Safety Investigations Body probe found corridor care was regularly used in NHS hospitals, and some trusts have installed plug sockets, call bells and communication systems in corridors; the report calls for a nationally agreed definition of temporary care environments.

NHS hospitals have fitted plug sockets, patient call bells and other equipment in corridors and other temporary spaces to provide care, an HSSIB investigation found. The probe took place between August and December 2025 and included visits to 13 hospitals and input from a further four. Hospital leaders told the Health Services Safety Investigations Body they adapted these spaces because they could not avoid using them. The report asks for a nationally agreed definition of temporary care environments such as corridors, offices and storerooms. Key findings: - The HSSIB visited 13 hospitals between August and December 2025 and received input from four additional hospitals. - Corridor care was regularly used at all observed sites in the probe. - Some hospitals installed emergency call bells, plug sockets, patient call bells and communication systems in temporary care spaces. - The report identified safety risks including difficulty monitoring patients and recognising deterioration, increased risk of infection, lack of piped oxygen and insufficient staff levels. - Some senior staff said they resisted making changes to avoid normalising corridor care, while others said they had no choice but to adapt spaces. - The Department of Health and Social Care said no one should receive care in a corridor and reported that NHS England is working with trusts to reduce variation, improve data collection and address discharge delays. Summary: The HSSIB report shows corridor care is an established practice in many hospitals and that some trusts have adapted by adding basic equipment. It highlights patient safety concerns and requests a nationally agreed definition and better understanding of temporary care environments. The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England are reported as working with trusts to address variation and related issues.