GPs LET PATIENTS STOCKPILE DRUGS ON NO DEAL FEAR

Medics expecting months of delays

DOCTORS are allowing patients to stockpile vital medication amid concerns of a no-deal Brexit.

GPs say patients with long-term illnesses such as diabetes and epilepsy are asking for extra supplies of essential drugs in case there is no agreement with the EU before October 31.

GP Alexa Evans said some medics are giving out extra prescriptions to keep patients going. She said: “There could be months of uncertainty.

“People with chronic health needs who rely on daily medication are going to be anxious. Some GPs have prescribed extra medication ahead of time to cover the uncertain period.

“We have been advised by pharmaceutical companies that we could expect a month of delays post-Brexit in the event of a no deal.”

Elaine Cleary told the Sunday Mirror she is concerned about her daughter Florence, four. She has phenylketonuria, which means her body cannot break down protein. Florence could suffer brain damage if left untreated.

Elaine said: “We rely on prescription foods and supplements daily, imported mainly from the EU. Medical suppliers said to build a surplus between now and October.”

The British Medical Association said it is a “damning indictment of the situation”. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry said: “We need to be able to get medicines across borders as quickly as possible.”

Former UK Medicines Regulator Sir Alasdair Breckenridge has said Britain’s medicines market is “small” compared to the EU’s, and warned of delays. But the Government will not agree contracts for swift delivery of medicines – if there is no deal – until October 24.

The Department of Health said: “Our plans should ensure the supply is uninterrupted.”

CREATURE FEATURE School IT was a crocodile shock when a caiman skeleton was found during renovations at a school in Pentre, South Wales. Headteacher Dr Neil Pike said people had “talked for decades of a crocodile being buried there”.

CONCERNS Sir Alasdair