THE mayor of Northwich has spoken out about the strain coronavirus is placing on care home workers, residents and their families.

Cllr Kevin Rimmer has worked in social care since 2016 – working at Lostock Lodge care home, in Cheshire Business Park, since August 2018.

He told the Guardian: "It was a sector that I wanted to work in and I am fortunate that with my mayoral role it gives me a unique platform to bang the drum for it.

"Up to this point in time social care has been forgotten about. Obviously NHS staff are on the frontline, but so are we, every single day."

Recruitment is a key issue in adult social care in ordinary circumstances, with staff often on minimum wage and working in a high-pressure environment, but Covid-19 has added strain to the workforce.

Cllr Rimmer usually works 40 hours a week, but he now working as many as 54 hours on some weeks to help out during the coronavirus crisis.

"We have had a few staff that have gone off as a precaution if they have had symptoms," said Cllr Rimmer.

"That has an impact because you can't just magic staff out of thin air. It is a constant recruitment drive in adult social care. It is not a job that anybody can do.

"One of the most important things that should come out of this is that adult social care gets the respect it deserves. If there was a proper wage then there would be the more, quality staff that we need."

One of the biggest talking points throughout the pandemic has been the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for care workers and staff in the NHS.

Cllr Rimmer said: "As far as I am aware, we have got PPE, but I doubt whether there is enough.

"If anybody is in a position to offer any kind of PPE to any care or nursing homes that need help, please just make the phone call.

"I know a lot of people have been really struggling for PPE."

The impact of social distancing is also taking its toll on residents, particularly those with dementia, and their families who are struggling to keep in touch.

Cllr Rimmer added: "When you tell them they are isolating and can't come out, they don't understand. It takes a lot to bring tears to my eyes but I have a been close a few times.

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"You do build a rapport with the residents – they become like extended family.

"It's not just the residents – friends and family cannot come to visit because of the lockdown. It's heartbreaking, it really is."