Accident and Emergency Departments

The Government is committed to reducing long waits in emergency departments, recognising that prolonged waits and overcrowding are associated with poorer patient outcomes and increased risks to patient safety.

While the Department does not hold centrally validated data on deaths directly attributable to waits of 12 hours or more in accident and emergency departments, reducing excessive waits is a priority.

To tackle long waits, improve patient flow, and reduce overcrowding, the Government and NHS England have, through delivering the Urgent and Emergency Care Plan for 2025/26, provided over £450 million of investment in urgent and emergency care capacity. NHS England has also published the Model Emergency Department and the Model Acute Pathway standards for the first 72 hours of care, which support earlier assessment, timely senior clinical review, faster clinical decision-making, and improved patient flow.

In addition, NHS England has introduced a national definition of corridor care, begun publishing validated corridor care data, and established targeted improvement support for trusts experiencing the highest levels of corridor care. These measures will strengthen oversight, improve transparency, and support local action to reduce overcrowding and the risks associated with extended waits in emergency departments.