Overview
- The Royal College of Physicians snapshot of 553 doctors found 59% had delivered care in temporary spaces such as corridors, offices and cupboards over the summer.
- Among the 328 who provided such care, 72% said they felt forced to do so, 45% said it happened daily or almost daily, and 66% described it as the new norm.
- Respondents reported serious risks to privacy and dignity with 94% citing compromises and 84% warning about confidentiality.
- The pressures affected staff wellbeing, with 8% saying the experience led them to consider leaving their roles or retiring early.
- Medical bodies called for stronger social care, improved patient flow and community alternatives, while the DHSC and NHS pointed to short-term steps including an extra £450 million for capacity and ambulance upgrades; reports differed on whether the snapshot covered June–August or was conducted September 3–17.