NHS A&E overcrowding is killing around 550 patients a week, the equivalent of a fatal jumbo jet crash, study finds

From the Newshound archive · first published 25 September 2026 · last updated 26 September 2026.

A damning study covering more than 19,000 patients across 134 NHS emergency departments has established a link between overcrowding and roughly 550 deaths each week in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Dr Ryan McHenry of the University of Glasgow found that every 10% increase in A&E occupancy raised the likelihood of dying within 28 days by 1%. Across the 134 departments examined, occupancy averaged 175%, meaning patient numbers were running at nearly double what the facilities were built to handle.

British Medical Association emergency lead Dr Den Langhor called the toll 'an absolute scandal — the equivalent of a fatal jumbo jet crash every single week.'

Corridor care is now widespread, with patients treated in offices, corridors and walk-in cupboards without proper access to oxygen or emergency equipment.

Researchers warned the true weekly death toll could be as high as 1,083 — nearly double the headline figure.