Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, is deeply shocked by a new Royal College of Nursing (RCN) report exposing the alarming rise of “Corridor Care” in Welsh hospitals.
The report highlights the dire reality of patients being treated in hallways and storerooms, compromising their safety, dignity, and access to essential care. Based on nurse surveys across Wales, it reveals a healthcare system at breaking point.
Commenting Janet said:
“Patients are being left without dignity or basic care. Nurses describe harrowing experiences of treating people in public spaces with no privacy, limited medical equipment, and even in freezing conditions.
“This crisis stems from chronic underfunding, staff shortages, and failures in hospital discharge planning. The social care backlog keeps beds occupied, leading to overcrowded emergency departments where Corridor Care is now routine.
“I have seen firsthand how a lack of emergency equipment like oxygen and defibrillators puts vulnerable patients at risk. Meanwhile, overworked nurses are leaving the NHS due to stress and burnout.
“The situation will only worsen as Cardiff University cuts staff and reduces nurse training places, exacerbating the workforce crisis.
“This is a shocking failure of workforce planning by the Welsh Government, and urgent action is needed.”
ENDS
