... and it would spell disaster for Scots health service, warns BMA

A NO-DEAL Brexit could be ‘catastrophic’ for Scotland’s health service and the fight against fatal illnesses such as cancer, medics have warned.

The British Medical Association (BMA) warned it would see the UK more at risk to outbreaks of deadly infectious diseases and could lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

In a briefing paper, the BMA said it would also make it more difficult to recruit highly skilled staff such as doctors, nurses and experts at a time when health boards are already struggling to recruit staff.

Dr Peter Bennie, BMA Scotland chairman, said: ‘It has become clear to the BMA that the risks of Brexit for the nation’s health are sharply increasing.

‘Doctors are increasingly alarmed by the ongoing failure to secure the kind of deal which will work to the benefit of patients, the medical workforce and health services in Scotland, across the UK and Europe.’

Dr Bennie said that the word ‘catastrophic’ had not been used lightly.

He added: ‘Without a deal, we risk losing quick and effective access to medical radioisotopes that are vital for diagnosing particular diseases through nuclear medicine imaging techniques, treatment of cancer through radiotherapy, as well as palliative relief of pain.

‘They can’t be stockpiled like other medicines. With the delays and uncertainty this may cause to vital treatment, it is not hard to see why a nodeal Brexit is such a concern.’

Scottish Labour health spokesman Anas Sarwar said: ‘It’s time for the Tories to take Britain back from the cliff edge and start working towards a deal that protects our country.’ NHS staff shortage – Page 12