Stephen has joined a group of Labour MPs in urging Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for care workers during the coronavirus outbreak.
The letter described the social care sector as being in a “precarious position” noting that care workers are frequently unable to access PPE, with the situation now extremely dangerous given the number of outbreaks reported in care homes over the bank holiday weekend.
In the letter, MPs call upon Matt Hancock to contact every local authority regarding PPE needs, and to provide resources when required. They further request a change to government guidance, which currently says that care workers need only wear PPE in care homes with confirmed cases.
Speaking about the letter, Stephen said “It is absolutely essential that those who are risking their own safety to help and protect the public get the equipment they need to do their jobs.”