Position Statement on Corridor Care
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) recognises the serious challenges posed by corridor care in hospitals across Wales. This practice can compromise patient safety, dignity, and the overall quality of care. Corridor care should not be normalised.
Where it is used due to exceptional pressures, it must be managed safely, with appropriate staffing, oversight, and respect for the needs of patients. HIW believes the system must adapt, as this level of risk should not be tolerated; services must work towards eliminating the need for corridor care altogether.
We also recognise the wider system impact. If patients are not placed in corridors, they may have to wait in ambulances or other unsuitable areas, which also carries risk. HIW continues to challenge health boards to address these pressures, improve patient flow, and deliver care in clinically appropriate settings. We remain committed to supporting improvements that uphold patient safety and healthcare standards across Wales.