Older patients are experiencing significantly longer wait times in accident and emergency (A&E) departments compared to younger individuals, according to a recent analysis by the Nuffield Trust. The study revealed that in 2025, 43 percent of patients aged over 80 waited more than 12 hours from arrival in A&E to admission to a hospital ward. This rate contrasts sharply with the 19 percent of patients aged 21 to 30 who faced similarly extended waits.
The analysis also highlighted that certain medical conditions are more likely to result in prolonged delays. Patients presenting with airway or breathing problems experienced waits exceeding 12 hours in 36 percent of cases (191,193 incidents), while those with neurological conditions faced long delays in 36 percent (159,897) of cases. Gastrointestinal issues also contributed to lengthy waits, affecting 27 percent (161,905) of patients.
In addition to extended waiting times, a considerable number of patients have been receiving care in hospital corridors or makeshift treatment areas rather than appropriate clinical settings. In May 2026, nearly 3,000 patients each day in England were treated under such conditions. Corridors and makeshift areas are often criticized for lacking privacy and basic amenities such as access to food, water, lavatories, or environments conducive to rest, which healthcare professionals consider essential for appropriate care.
Experts say these findings point to systemic issues within emergency care services. Dr. Sarah Scobie, deputy director of research at the Nuffield Trust, described the situation as “absolutely shocking” and emphasized that long A&E waits have contributed to thousands of avoidable deaths. She called for improved access to health and social care services outside hospital settings to help reduce pressures leading to prolonged waits.
Dr. Ian Higginson, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, noted that while emergency departments operate around the clock, many of the support services that facilitate timely discharges and patient flow are not consistently available during evenings and weekends. He suggested that the challenge extends beyond bed availability to include operational and logistical issues.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the pressures facing emergency departments but pointed to ongoing efforts to improve care. They stated that in June, three-quarters of patients were seen within the government target of four hours. The department also highlighted a £450 million investment through the urgent and emergency care plan aimed at further reducing waiting times and improving services.
In February 2026, over 72,000 patients—approximately one-third of all hospital admissions—waited more than 12 hours in A&E, underscoring the continued challenges emergency services face across England.