In response to COVID19 pandemic Care England, the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care is calling on the public to support the adult social care sector.

On Friday the government commenced a campaign to encourage retired doctors and nurses back into the NHS.

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said the adult social care sector also needs the support of the nation if it is to continue to support some of society’s most vulnerable during these unprecedented times.

He said the care sector has been hit hard and, in the absence of a quick COVID19 test, is facing rising staff absences.

This, combined with the usual extremely high level of vacancies in the sector, could lead to a ‘perfect storm’ that the NHS will have to face if care homes cannot cope.

Professor Green said: ‘Adult Social care is open for business and it needs your help.

‘It is adult social care that has the beds needed to ensure that hospitals can deal with the critically ill therefore we need to ensure that there are adequate staff in both sectors.

‘There are many jobs and volunteering roles in the adult social care sector and we encourage those who are able, or whose circumstances have changed, to consider working or volunteering in care.

‘Social care needs you.’

Professor Green will be giving evidence to the Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday (March 24) regarding COVID19 and the care home sector.

He said he plans to focus on PPE supplies, the need for testing and the response from NHS England.

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