Brexit ‘is bad for our health’
4 out of 5 docs fear NHS will collapse after EU split Warnings of brain drain, drugs and treatment crisis
Everyone knows it is going to be bad. It affects every little corner of the NHS DR WILLIAM SAPWELL ON HOW BREXIT WILL AFFECT HEALTH
DOCTORS have warned the NHS is at risk of collapse after Brexit, with an exodus of staff, drugs shortages and savage cuts.
Four out of five medics quizzed in a poll fear for the future of the service once we leave the EU next year.
There are concerns a brain drain of European NHS staff will deepen the recruitment crisis. An array of treatments, especially cancer care, could also suffer.
Imports of vital drugs such as insulin could be badly hit and investment in research and funding slashed.
One medic said the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine survey results did not surprise him.
Dr William Sapwell added: “My impression from the front line is everyone knows it’s going to be bad.
“It affects every little corner of the NHS.
“We have recruitment and retention problems for doctors and if you put a barrier in front of seven to 10% of the workforce, it will get far worse.
“It’s going to massively affect our ability to treat and detect some types of cancer. That’s the scariest part.
“There is also a real risk we will run out of insulin.”
Survey lead author Dr Kate Mandeville said: “Doctors are among the best-placed people to understand the impact of political decisions on the NHS.
“On Brexit their opinion is very clear: Brexit is bad for the nation’s health.”
Labour MP Dr Paul Williams said: “Last week the Health Secretary admitted the NHS is stockpiling drugs, and we know if we leave the European Medicines Agency we will join the back of the queue for new drugs.”
The British Medical Association has called for the public to have a say on the terms of the final Brexit deal.
Dr Andrew Dearden, of the BMA, said: “Doctors are worried Brexit could seriously undermine healthcare.”
The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, also found 79% of doctors voted Remain against 48% of the population.
The Department of Health and Social Care said: “We have continued to work closely with the EU to ensure minimal disruption to the NHS.”
More than a third of NHS consultants are battling depression, a survey published in BMJ Open found.