Corridor Care – How can Medstrom Help?
Corridor care refers to caring for patients in temporary spaces, and happens when space in designated patient care areas is full.
As the name suggests, a common place for this to occur is in corridors. However, it’s not just done here; other spaces used include storage cupboards, bathrooms, day rooms, ward reception areas and car parks.1 Collectively, these areas are sometimes referred to as temporary escalation spaces.
A recent letter from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care highlights some of the key problems associated with corridor care:2
“For staff, this means being forced to deliver compromised care, unable to access oxygen, suction or even plug sockets.”
“For patients, it puts them in danger, out of the sight of staff and out of the reach of emergency call bells. It represents a serious deprivation of privacy and dignity.”
RCN Survey and Report
The practice of using temporary, inappropriate spaces for patient care is not new, but appears to be on the increase, recently described as now being a ‘year-round scourge’ in hospitals.2 It has recently been in the headlines again following a report published by the RCN:1
- Over 5,000 nurses were surveyed between 18th December 2024 and 11th January 2025.
- Two thirds (67%) said they delivered care in an inappropriate setting on a daily basis.
- More than 90% said that in their opinion, patient care and safety were compromised in temporary escalation spaces.
When asked about the location where they last delivered care in an inappropriate setting, the responses were:
- Corridor: 62%
- Additional bed or chair in a bay: 16%
- Another location not designed for patient care: 15%
- Waiting room: 6%
What is the Solution?
Removing the need for corridor care is the obvious long term solution. However, the NHS is currently in the middle of a very difficult winter, utilising temporary escalation spaces out of necessity. In this situation, short term initiatives can help to make this type of care more manageable.
How can Medstrom Help?
We can provide extra equipment, on a rental basis, for as long as it’s needed. Whilst we completely understand this won’t be a ‘magic wand’, it may help with patient care in these circumstances.
Beds, Mattresses and Cushions
Delivering patient care is easier on a bed than a trolley. And combined with a pressure redistributing mattress, it can help to reduce the risk of skin damage if a patient is unable to mobilise for long time periods.
For patients spending long time periods in a chair, the addition of a dynamic cushion can help to reduce pressure ulcer risk.
Some of Medstrom’s beds, mattresses and cushions available for short and long term rental are listed below, with the benefits they can provide in temporary escalation spaces.
General Med-Surg Beds with 21-83cm Height Range
High height of 83cm allows caregivers to work in an ergonomic position to reduce manual handling risks.- Electric controls provide safer moving and handling than a manually operated trolley.
- Low height of 21cm reduces the risk of patient injury from falls.
- One button cardiac chair provides excellent upright positioning for patients who are in bed for an extended time period.
- Battery when fully charged will last for several days under normal use, if a plug socket isn’t always available.
MMO 8000 Bariatric Bed
MMO 8000 Benefits:
- As Medstrom Solo+, and additionally:
- Safe working load of 340kg safely accommodates plus-size patients.
Bari10A Bariatric Bed
Bari10A Benefits:
- Adjustable platform width (91cm – 122cm) for easier patient care and transportation through restricted spaces.
- High height of 86cm for ergonomic delivery of care, reducing manual handling risks.
- Safe working load of 475kg to cater for plus-size patients who exceed the safe working load of the MMO 8000 bed.
- One button cardiac chair for excellent upright positioning.
- Battery backup for full bed movement when mains power isn’t available.
Medstrom Aria Flex Semi-Dynamic Mattress with Air Immersion Technology
Aria Flex
Benefits:
- Immediate protection from pressure ulcers.
- Behaves like a dynamic mattress, even in non-powered mode.
- Non-powered mode can be used where no plug socket is available.
- Quick and easy ‘flex up’ to dynamic therapy by simply switching on the control unit, with no need to move the patient.
Dolphin Therapy Fluid Immersion Simulation Surface
Dolphin Therapy
Benefits:
- Prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in the most complex patients.
- Evidenced by over 5,000 outstanding patient outcomes.
- Battery backup of 12 hours, for use over extended time periods where no mains power is available.
- Available in standard, extra wide and paediatric sizes and as a cushion to cater for as many patients as possible.
Medstrom Aria Cushion with Air Immersion Technology
Aria Cushion
Benefits:
- Ultra-portable and compact, able to be transported around – and fitting into – the smallest of spaces.
- Long 12 hour battery life for when no mains power is available.
- Superior immersion and envelopment, delivered by unique air immersion technology, for enhanced pressure area care.
We are always here to support you. If you need any advice or help, our Clinical Advisors are available 24/7/365, and we can normally deliver rental products within a day or less of ordering. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
References
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On the frontline of the UK’s corridor care crisis report (2025). RCN. Available online: Corridor care crisis | Publications | Royal College of Nursing
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Joint letter to the Health Secretary on corridor care (2025). RCN. Available online: Joint letter to the Health Secretary on corridor care | Royal College of Nursing
