A&E Trolley Waits Surge Among Elderly Patients in England

LEICESTER, England — Nearly 70% of patients aged 65 and older faced long waits in emergency departments last year, with some waiting up to 10 days for hospital beds, according to recently released data.

A report from a freedom of information request revealed that of the 48,830 patients who experienced ‘trolley waits’ of 24 hours or more in 2024, a staggering 33,413 were seniors. Trolley waits refer to the time patients spend on stretchers after a decision to admit them to a hospital bed has been made.

The analysis, which evaluated data from 54 trusts, highlights a concerning trend for elderly patients. The Liberal Democrats reported that East Kent NHS Trust recorded the highest number of waits lasting a day or longer, with 8,916 cases this year, a sharp increase from just 30 in 2019. Liverpool University Hospitals Trust followed, reporting 4,315 such cases.

These figures may represent an underestimation, as only 54 of the 141 trusts provided complete data. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) stressed that the numbers only “begin to scratch the surface” of what they describe as a crisis in corridor care, referring to patients being treated in hallways due to insufficient bed space.

“A single patient waiting for more than 24 hours is unacceptable, and tens of thousands waiting shows why corridor care must be eradicated,” said RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger. “Nursing staff face the dire consequences of treating patients in corridors every day.”

In response to the deteriorating situation, the Liberal Democrats have called for the establishment of a team of “super-heads”—experienced NHS administrators tasked with improving care in struggling trusts. Health and social care spokesperson Helen Morgan emphasized that patients deserve proper care spaces rather than makeshift waiting areas. “The government must ensure that this is the last winter crisis anyone will experience,” Morgan added.

The Labour government has made it a priority to cut waiting lists in the NHS. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated, “No patient should have to spend 24 hours in A&E waiting to be admitted to a ward.” They noted actions taken to protect A&E departments, such as introducing new vaccines and ensuring staff availability.

“This work continues to ensure patients are treated quickly,” the spokesperson said, highlighting efforts towards community care reform under the government’s Plan for Change.

An East Kent Hospitals Trust spokesperson acknowledged the increase in patient attendance across their facilities and expressed regret over the extended wait times. “We are sorry that patients are waiting longer than we would like in our emergency departments,” the spokesperson stated.

The University Hospitals of Liverpool Group has been contacted for further comments regarding their situation. Stakeholders urge for immediate action to address the escalating issues facing the NHS and its patients, particularly within emergency care settings.