UKHCA Submission to MPs on workforce burnout
UKHCA responded to the Health and Social Care Select Committee inquiry into workforce burnout and resilience in the NHS and social care.
We paid credit to the work of careworkers, office staff and managers in exceptionally difficult circumstances, especially during the height of community transmission.
We pointed out that the resilience of the homecare workforce prior to the Covid-19 pandemic was of great concern. Pre Covid-19, the homecare sector was undermined by below cost fees being paid by the NHS and local authorities, and then failed to recognise the additional costs of PPE and covering staff absence through shielding or self-isolating.
We shared our view that the lack of PPE, lack of access to testing and confusing and conflicting guidance from the Government and its agencies significantly affected stress levels across the homecare sector. UKHCA members expect to see burnout and stress levels increase over the coming period.
UKHCA stressed the need for Government to develop a workforce plan for the sector to sit alongside the long awaited funding settlement for social care.
