Tell us: how are you being affected by the UK staff shortages in care?

Brendoncare Knightwood Care Home. Eastleigh, Southampton. Photograph by David Levene 21/1/22 Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

Nearly 9,000 people in England were waiting for home care services at the beginning of this year, according to figures obtained by the Observer, amid an acute staffing shortage in social care. And we’d like to find out more about the impact of staff shortages now.

The shortage of care workers means hospitals are unable to discharge a number of patients who need care in the community, intensifying pressure on the NHS.