Investigation into Patients in Hospital Corridors

The date is Monday, August 3, 2026, at 5:16 pm.

The nurses' union in South Australia wants to investigate patients in hospital corridors.

In short:

The nurses' union is calling for an investigation into keeping patients in corridors during busy times.

A woman died after being in a corridor at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

What's next?

The health minister says the practice started after some deaths.

The nurses' union wants the government to stop using corridors for patients.

The union submitted a report to SafeWork SA about the use of corridors at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

The union's chief says using corridors is becoming common and restricts patient care.

The action seems to be a response to hospital overcrowding.

The union's chief says moving patients from the ramp to corridors just hides the problem. They are moving a visible problem to a hidden area. The union's chief also says if it's not safe on the ramp, it's not safe in corridors.

Keeping patients in corridors is not safe.

The union's chief says the government should extend urgent care hours and work with aged care providers.

The health minister confirmed that corridor care is an option at some hospitals.

The minister says it's being done safely and as recommended by the coroner.

The minister says it must be done in the right circumstances.

The minister referred to a coronial inquest and said the government's approach is comprehensive.

The minister says the practice of corridor care was implemented after a recommendation.

However, experts have mixed views on corridor care.

The state opposition wants the practice to end.

The opposition health spokesperson says the hospital system is under pressure.

The minister says three reviews found that corridor care was not the reason for a patient's death.

The minister acknowledged the patient's family disagrees and may commission a review.

See more ABC coverage.

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