A FACEBOOK post by a care worker from Bury, describing the overwhelming pressure she was facing in her work, has sparked a huge public response, with nearly half a million people reacting to it on the social media site.

Jessica Gentry, aged 33, described her near-impossible workload, responsibilities and the frustration of time pressures she faced trying to look after dozens of elderly people in a single shift.

She called for the government to pay overworked carers better wages and expressed concern that some carers are expected to administer medication in addition to their other duties — often becoming a lifeline to isolated and lonely older people.

The post stirred up a phenomenal response online and quickly went viral, with more than 475,000 reactions, 172,000 shares and hundreds of comments in support.

Ms Gentry said in one shift she stayed with a man waiting for an ambulance who had had a suspected stroke waiting for an ambulance, helped a lady down some stairs she should not have been near, gave about 15 lots of medication, and helped a man being sick and supported his wife to make it easier for her. She said she also made about 25 cups of tea, 14 slices of toast, locked 17 doors, shut about 50 lots of curtains and checked heating would come on through the night so her elderly patients would not be cold.