The official investigation, which will be handed to government, will examine closely the impact of corridor care on patients and staff, as well as how organisations respond to issues of patient safety in these spaces.

The investigation comes after a report by the RCN earlier this year revealed harrowing accounts of staff left to deliver care in unsafe, undignified, and unacceptable conditions.

In response, RCN general secretary and chief executive Professor Nicola Ranger, said: ‘This is testament to the bravery of thousands of nursing staff who spoke out about a devastating collapse in care standards. No patient should languish in a corridor, a chair or be forced to endure intimate examinations in public areas. This investigation must shed more light on the scale and impact of these shocking conditions and mark the beginning of the end for this unacceptable practice.

‘We will be encouraging nursing staff to take part in the investigation and share their experiences. But we are clear that ministers shouldn't wait for this investigation to conclude before taking action to eradicate corridor care. That includes publishing national level data on how widespread the issue really is, which the government still fails to do

‘With the support of health leaders and ministers, this investigation could be a significant moment for patient safety. Alongside new investment to bolster the nursing workforce, there is hope that we can transform patient care.'