How the elderly face longer waits in A&E than younger people

By SHANNON MCGUIGAN, NEWS REPORTER Published: 00:01, 30 July 2026 | Updated: 00:04, 30 July 2026 The elderly are more likely to face long waits in A&E than younger patients, research shows. A think-tank found that 40 per cent of patients aged 81 and over wait more than 12 hours to be seen. And they are often the worst affected by issues such as ‘corridor care’, when treatment does not take place in a clinically appropriate and safe setting, such as having privacy as well as access to food, water and toilets.  Research by the Nuffield Trust found that, in 2025, 43 per cent of over-80s faced a wait of over 12 hours between arrival in A&E and admission to a hospital ward, compared with 19 per cent of those aged 21 to 30. Experts found some health problems are far more likely to lead to waits of over 12 hours. People with airway or breathing issues faced long waits (191,193, equivalent to 36 per cent of cases), while gastrointestinal conditions (161,905 or 27 per cent) and neurological conditions (159,897 or 36 per cent) also led to lengthy delays. The elderly are more likely to face long waits in A&E than younger patients, research shows (file image) In May, nearly 3,000 patients every day were cared for in hospital corridors or makeshift treatment areas in England. Nuffield Trust deputy director of research Sarah Scobie called the findings ‘absolutely shocking’, adding: ‘Long A&E waits have caused thousands of avoidable deaths. Behind every case of corridor care is a person going through a frightening and traumatic experience.’ A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: ‘The incredible dedication of NHS staff meant three-quarters of patients were seen in A&E within four hours in June.’