The crisis in aged care appears to be worsening, with the United Workers Union revealing shocking delays on PPE and crippling staff shortages.

There have been another 4 deaths in aged care in Queensland today.

UWU’s national aged care director, Carolyn Smith, explained more on 4BC Afternoons.

“It’s part of the extra load that aged care workers are saying they are facing,” she said.

“Right now when there’s real staffing shortages we know some facilities have 20-30 per cent of their staff off.”

She said staff are saying there’s a “wave of loneliness and need in every room they walk into”.

“At a time when they are running to get the basics done .. but to also just have a person to say to me, please stay with me I am so lonely can you just talk to me for 5 minutes? And to have to say, no I am sorry I can’t do that.”

She said she has been told by some providers dealing with outbreaks that the have asked for PPE from the national stockpile, and two weeks later, they still don’t have it.

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

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