Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow Mental Health Minister, commenting on the Institute for Public Policy Research publication, Care Fit for Carers, which reveals the ‘catastrophic’ impact covid-19 is having on healthcare workers’ mental health, said:

“It is heartbreaking to witness the toll this virus is having on the mental health of frontline staff.

“Carers have been placed in an impossible situation, where they are having to carry out their work, often without adequate PPE, while seeing the virus spread through their care homes. They are having to bury the people in their care at a far greater rate than ever before. Trade unions have voiced strong concerns about this, and I support their calls for action.

“The Government must ensure that mental health support is available now, for all NHS workers and care staff, for as long as they need it – this must include PTSD services. There must be a national mental health package, not a postcode lottery depending on the resources that local Trusts and councils can offer.

“Carers are protecting our loved ones – we must show our gratitude by protecting their mental health in the coming weeks, months and years to come – they deserve it.”