Nottingham hospitals have declared a critical incident with 100 waiting in A&E while 200 patients fit to leave occupy beds

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Queen's Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital, has recorded some of its worst-ever A&E pressures, with three of the busiest attendance days in its history falling within a fortnight. September saw A&E visits run 2,000 higher than in the same month in 2025. The trust warned that the backlog 'increases the risk of harm', with patients enduring 'unacceptable and lengthy waits on corridors'.

The 200-plus patients ready for discharge fill the equivalent of nearly eight wards.

High numbers of cardiology patients needing prolonged intensive care have pulled resources elsewhere.

Chief nurse Tracy Pilcher said corridor care was not how staff wanted to work, adding: 'For that we are very sorry.'