A HOME care company in Worcester has admitted they are worried they will not be able to care for their clients due to exceptional staff shortages.

Mr Nqobizita Hilton Makawa, director of Ignite Healthcare in Lowesmoor has admitted that during these unprecedented times he is worried he will not be able to support staff or clients.

He said: “We are all just trying our best. This is difficult for all of us. Everyone is still learning. Nobody knows exactly what this pandemic is or the best way to react to it.

“We are staying open, and of course, putting our clients’ needs first. However the situation is fluid, things are constantly changing. All we can do is listen to the advice from Public Health and the local authority.

“When the schools close, we will certainly lose a number of precious staff, we already have some self-isolating for their own safety. It will no doubt affect the amount of care that we can provide to the community.”

“It is impossible to continue as usual in the care sector. We are facing numerous issues, such as nation wide glove and hand sanitiser shortages. If we run out of disposable gloves, care staff just simply cannot perform their duties.

“It is concerning that during this global crisis the vulnerable people we care for need us more now than ever and I am faced with the possibility of running out of staff to provide this essential care.”

A spokesman from Worcestershire county council said: “We’re working proactively with all providers in an evolving climate. We have clarified and relayed information from the Department of Health and Social Care in relation to protective equipment for carers.

"We have now received confirmation that Personal Protective Equipment is being distributed to care homes and home care providers directly from the National Supply Distribution Response Team, with an anticipated completion of this by Tuesday 24 March.”