The CQC highlighted ‘particularly crowded' areas with limited space meaning some people were being cared for on trolleys in corridors with staff not always able to fully protect people's privacy and dignity and sensitive conversations sometimes overheard.

Catherine Campbell, CQC deputy director of hospitals, secondary and specialist care for the South West, said: ‘Following our inspection of Derriford's emergency department, we found a service that's worked hard to improve since our last visit. Staff and leaders demonstrated a positive, compassionate culture with a strong focus on learning, and we saw meaningful progress in areas such as patient flow and teamworking.

‘However, the continued high number of people attending the department is placing significant pressure on the service, which is affecting the consistency and safety of care. The trust is working with the local integrated care board and other stakeholders to address these challenges. They understand this is a long-term project that won't bring immediate results.'

The CQC noted the trust had begun work on a new purpose-built emergency care building, with a planned four-year construction programme, adding ‘leaders and frontline teams were actively reviewing risks and working in real time to improve flow around the area'.

Chief executive Neil Macdonald said: ‘We fully acknowledge the findings and know we have more work to do. We are continuing with our improvement plan and, prior to receiving the report, we had identified that this year, one of our six priorities will be to eliminate corridor care. We are committed to ensuring all patients receive safe, timely, and dignified care.'