A&E Doctor Warns of 'Worst Winter Ever': Patients Face Long Waits and Crowded Corridors
A&E staff at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield are bracing for what they fear will be the worst winter in the department's history. With record-breaking patient numbers and surging flu cases, the hospital is struggling to cope with the demand.
Dr. Richard Gorman, a consultant in emergency medicine, describes the situation as "not ideal." Patients are being treated in corridors due to the overwhelming number of people in the emergency department. As of midday, there were 102 patients waiting, with 15 having been there for over 10 hours.
The resus room, intended for the most critically ill patients, has only one bed available. The hospital is also facing challenges in finding beds for patients who need to be admitted to wards.
The increased flu cases are a significant contributor to the current crisis. Staff are advised to wear face masks in certain areas due to the heightened risk of infection.
Dr. Gorman emphasizes the hospital's efforts to manage the emergency department, stating that resources have been allocated this year beyond any previous year. However, the high patient numbers persist.
The situation is not unique to Pinderfields. Many hospitals are experiencing corridor care, where patients are treated in hallways due to limited space. This occurs when the demand exceeds the hospital's capacity.
Complex reasons, including high patient volumes, delays in assessment and treatment, and bed shortages, contribute to this issue. Linda Jackson, a 77-year-old patient, has been in the emergency department for 16 hours, awaiting a ward bed.
Stacey Howell, the matron, acknowledges the challenges but reassures patients that staff are working tirelessly to prioritize the sickest patients and provide ongoing care.
Ravi Parry, a clinical site manager, faces the task of managing patient flow to prevent overcrowding. With various patient needs, from medical to social care, the hospital must carefully assess and address these before discharging patients.
The hospital's discharge lounge helped 528 patients leave in November 2025, a significant increase from the previous year. Ward manager Kim Gollings emphasizes the need to expedite patient discharge to create space, but this process is not straightforward.
As winter deepens, Dr. Gorman warns staff of the constant pressure and the need to prioritize patients with life-threatening conditions. The British Medical Association has announced a five-day strike by resident doctors, adding to the challenges faced by the NHS during this difficult winter.
