Following an inspection in July, a warning notice was issued to improve people's safety after patients were found waiting up to 72 hours to be given beds.

In an update following the inspection, the trust said it was improving infection, prevention and control practices, including putting on extra training, monitoring standards and managing the use of medicines. The trust has installed privacy curtains in corridor areas to support patient dignity and said it was working towards eliminating corridor care altogether.

Barts said the number of patients in ambulance handover areas were being limited to reduce overcrowding and waiting times and a new space for up to 17 patients had been opened for people awaiting admission.

In addition, a new Rapid Assessment and Treatment trial has been launched to ensure patients arriving at A&E are seen promptly by a clinician, prioritising the most urgent cases to reduce delays in care.

A dedicated improvement director for urgent and emergency care has been appointed and the trust is collaborating with partners, including local primary care networks and NELFT, to reduce unnecessary A&E visits, improve use of the Urgent Treatment Centre, support timely discharges and reduce mental health patient wait times.

The trust said it was also working with the London Ambulance Service to ensure better access to Same Day Emergency Care, providing treatment without always going through A&E and recruiting more nurses, doctors and other key roles to deliver high-quality care.

Chief executive Dr Amanjit Jhund said: ‘Our priority is to provide safe, high-quality care, and the changes we've made show our commitment to improvement. As we prepare for winter, we remain focused on ensuring swift, safe, and dignified care, with further progress guided by patient and colleague feedback.'