Exposed and invisible in an ER hallway bed By Jay Baruch March 18, 2026 Stat News Share Summary Takeaways Listen Insight Report Clinical Scorecard Quiz Poll Top Institutions 1 Cara M. experiences severe migraine pain while waiting in a crowded ER hallway, highlighting the inadequacies of emergency care. 2 ER boarding is a growing crisis, leading to longer wait times and inadequate care environments for patients. 3 Primary care access is deteriorating, forcing patients like Cara M. to seek emergency services when their conditions worsen. 4 Hallway beds compromise patient dignity and privacy, creating moral dilemmas for ER staff during examinations. 5 The emotional toll on both patients and ER staff is significant, as they navigate the frustrations of overcrowded emergency departments.
