College responds to No-deal Brexit papers

23 Aug 2018

Speaking today (Thursday) following the publication of a series of planning papers by the UK Government on a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, College President Professor David Galloway said that the publications highlighted the need for a comprehensive Brexit deal which protects the interests of patients, staff and the wider NHS.

Professor Galloway said:

“While these documents provide some clarity on the preparations for a ‘no-deal’ Brexit in a limited number of areas, they underline the need for government to continue to seek a comprehensive Brexit deal which protects the interests of patients, staff and the wider NHS.

“We now need greater clarity on three main areas. Firstly, what action NHS Trusts, health boards, commissioners of health services and doctors require to take in order to address possible issues of supply of medicines and equipment? We also need clarity on the future immigration status of NHS staff from outside the UK, so that we can ensure we can retain and recruit sufficient staff to maintain existing services. Lastly, issues relating to Northern Ireland have still not been addressed.

“We need a Brexit deal which ensures that patients can continue to receive the best possible standards of care. We will continue to press government at every opportunity to ensure that this is delivered.”

Category: Engagement