A study has been undertaken by Dr Ryan McHenry, an emergency medicine doctor in the west of Scotland and a University of Glasgow researcher, whereby he examined approximately 70% of A&Es in England, Wales and Northern Ireland over a two-week period. This study has shown that overcrowding and “corridor care” in A&E may be contributing to around 550 deaths a week across the UK.

The study reviewed data from more than 19,000 patients treated in NHS hospitals, at 134 A&E departments noting to be close to double their intended capacity, showed that the likelihood of dying within 28 days from discharge increased by 1 per cent for every 10 per cent rise in emergency department occupancy.

Dr McHenry estimated that overcrowding could be associated with about 550 excess deaths each week, though he stressed the study’s limited size meant the true figure could plausibly range from 33 to 1,083.

It is noted that A&Es being over capacity has led to patients being left in beds / trolleys in the corridors without access to resources including oxygen and other essential emergency equipment, and can lead to staff being so overstretched that deterioration can be missed in patients.

NHS data indicate the shocking scale of the issue, in England in July 2026, more than 3,000 patients a day were treated in corridors or other temporary spaces.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the NHS had faced its busiest summer on record, but that 75 per cent of A&E patients were seen within four hours in August. The spokesperson added that overcrowding can seriously affect safety and patient experience, and said the Government was taking urgent steps to reduce pressure on emergency departments and end corridor care.

These findings suggest that many deaths are occur as a result of the overcrowding in A&Es across the country, which have been avoided with appropriate care. Our Medical Negligence team have extensive experience in representing individuals who have experienced negligent care, including in A&E, and have secured substantial sums of compensation to help with their futures.

If you or a loved one have encountered treatment in A&E which you feel was not of the expected standard and it has resulted in harm, please contact our Medical Negligence team on 01482 323697 to discuss how we can help.