Accident and emergency (A&E) waiting times can be long for Bristol residents. Long A&E waiting times can delay critical care, reduce patient satisfaction, and increase the risk of complications.
⬇️ Scroll down to compare hospitals by A&E waiting times. Verify the expected A&E waiting time at the hospital.
💡 Consider advice for protecting yourself from germs and preparing for long waiting times.
A&E waiting time is defined as the time from (a) the time when the decision is made to admit, or when treatment in A&E is completed, whichever is later; to (b) the time when the patient is admitted.
A&E waiting times are estimated based upon available data from the National Health Service.
Recent News
In January 2025, The Bristol Post reported that Bristol’s A&E departments were facing record waiting times amid the winter surge. Hospitals in the region have been forced to adopt corridor care as patients sometimes wait over 12 hours before being admitted. The report highlighted that these makeshift arrangements were increasingly common as bed shortages and staffing constraints persisted.
BBC Bristol, in December 2024, detailed how several Bristol hospitals were compelled to use corridors for patient care due to overwhelming demand. The report emphasized that the use of non-clinical spaces compromised patient dignity and safety, drawing attention to the urgent need for increased capacity and infrastructure investment.
In November 2024, a local edition of The Guardian published an investigative piece on Bristol’s emergency care crisis. It revealed that many patients were being treated in corridors and converted waiting areas, with staff describing the situation as “unsafe” and “undignified.” The article noted that these conditions were contributing to longer waiting times and higher risks for vulnerable patients.
The Bristol Post reported in October 2024 on pilot projects introduced by local NHS trusts in Bristol. These initiatives aimed to reduce A&E waiting times and alleviate the reliance on corridor care by streamlining patient flow. Although the pilots showed some promise, the report underscored that significant challenges remained amid persistent capacity issues.
In August 2024, BBC Bristol covered calls from regional health leaders for urgent investment in hospital infrastructure. The report noted that rising A&E waiting times were forcing hospitals to revert to corridor care, and that innovative solutions were being explored to better manage the surge in patient numbers.
An article in May 2024 by The Bristol Post revealed that, despite the introduction of new initiatives, A&E waiting times in Bristol continued to rise. The report indicated that the frequency of corridor care had increased, with staff citing ongoing bed shortages and inadequate staffing as key contributors to the problem.
In December 2023, BBC News Bristol reported a noticeable surge in the use of corridor care across local hospitals. The piece highlighted that a growing number of patients were being managed in corridors due to insufficient bed capacity, a trend that alarmed both healthcare professionals and patient advocates.
A September 2023 report by The Guardian provided an in-depth look at systemic issues in Bristol’s emergency care. The investigation revealed that extended waiting times were leading to a significant reliance on temporary care spaces—such as corridors—which were increasingly used to cope with patient overflow.
Back in June 2023, The Bristol Post documented a marked increase in A&E waiting times across Bristol. The report described how corridor care had become commonplace as hospitals struggled to accommodate the growing demand, raising concerns about both patient outcomes and the wellbeing of overburdened staff.
Protect Yourself & Loved Ones
Crowded waiting rooms can increase your risk of exposure to diseases. Hospitals are often filled with patients with contagious conditions. Protect yourself as you wait for emergency care.
- 😷 Wear a mask. Protect yourself from respiratory illnesses. Masks are particularly effective during flu seasons.
- 🧴 Practice hand hygiene. Contact with shared surfaces, such as chairs, doorknobs, and check-in kiosks, can expose you to pathogens. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water. Use a hand sanitizer.
- 📱 Protect belongings. Germs can transfer to your belongings. Keep personal items, such as phones and bags, away from shared surfaces. Sanitize personal items with disinfecting wipes at home.
- 💪🏼 Boost your immune system. Build an extra layer of protection with supplements. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc can boost immune function to fight infections.
Prepare for Long Waiting Times
Long waiting times are often unavoidable, especially during peak times or for non-urgent conditions. Prepare for an extended stay to be more comfortable and to reduce stress.
- 🧣 Bring comfort aids. Prolonged sitting can be uncomfortable, especially for older adults. Bring a neck pillow, lumbar cushion, and percussion massager.
- 🎮 Bring entertainment. Entertainment can reduce stress and boredom. Bring a mobile electronic device, such as tablets, laptops and phones.
- 🎧 Wear noise-cancelling headphones. Hospitals can be noisy environments, which can increase stress. Wear noise-cancelling headphones to block out the commotion.
- 🍪 Pack healthy snacks. Hospitals may have limited food options. Bring snacks to sustain energy levels. Check with the doctor or nurse practitioner if fasting is required. Consider trail mix, whole-grain crackers or granola bars.
- 🧦 Dress comfortably. Hospitals can have variable temperatures. Dress in layers. Wear comfortable clothing.
Bristol Hospitals by Waiting Times
Below are hospitals in Bristol, England by ranking of waiting times:
- 🥇 University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust has the shortest A&E waiting time at 56% chance of waiting less than four hours in Bristol
- 🥈 North Bristol NHS Trust, with 41% chance of waiting 4 to 12 hours, ranks second for the shortest A&E waiting time in Bristol
Plan Ahead for Peak Times
Planning your visit to the emergency department can significantly impact waiting times, particularly if the medical issue is not urgent.
Mondays tend to be the busiest day of the week in hospital emergency departments. The accumulation of non-emergency cases over the weekend often result in a surge of patient volume on the first work day of the week. If your condition allows for flexibility in seeking care, consider the day of the week for your visit. Avoid Mondays and weekends.
Demand seasonality may also affect waiting times in emergency departments, particularly among younger patients. Young children, aged 0 to 5, see a rise in emergency visits during autumn, with a notable decline in the summer months. Children, aged 5 to 19, experience a peak in spring and a similar decrease in the summer.
The time of day is unlikely to significantly reduce waiting times, as hospitals align staff availability with patient volumes. During standard business hours, from morning to early evening, full staffing is in place. However, higher patient volumes during these times can create bottlenecks. Even with more medical personnel, increased demand can still lead to longer waits as emergency departments handle the influx of patients.
Consider Other Care Options
If medical conditions are not urgent, you can consider alternative care options:
- Family doctors can serve as the primary point of contact for managing ongoing or non-urgent medical concerns. They provide comprehensive and personalized care, often maintaining detailed records of a patient’s medical history, which facilitates continuity of care and long-term management of health conditions.
- Walk-in clinics can offer convenient medical services for minor injuries or illnesses without the requirement of an appointment.
- Urgent care centers can provide medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions, such as minor fractures or severe flu symptoms. These centers typically offer faster service compared to emergency departments.