‘Half of European doctors prepared to leave Britain’

ALMOST half of European-born doctors are prepared to leave the UK due to the uncertainty caused by Brexit, research has found.

The British Medical Association (BMA) surveyed 1,720 doctors from the EU currently working in the UK.

Some 45% of respondents noted that they were considering leaving the UK, while 19% were already planning to leave.

Figures for Wales reflected the overall picture, with 32 out of the 71 respondents (45%) considering leaving and 15 out of 71 already making plans to leave.

The top three reasons cited for considering leaving were the UK’s decision to leave the EU, the current negative attitude toward EU workers in the UK and the continuing uncertainty over future immigration rules.

Since the referendum, the BMA has been calling on the government to ensure it protects the longterm stability of health services across the UK after it leaves the EU.

Of particular importance is the need for a future immigration system that is sufficiently flexible, protects EU doctors already working in the UK and enables overseas doctors to work in the UK in the future.

Commenting on the survey findings, Dr Andrew Dearden, BMA treasurer, said: “That so many EU doctors are actively planning to leave the UK is a cause for concern. Many have dedicated years of service to the NHS and medical research in the UK, and without them our health service would not be able to cope.

“We need clarity on what the future holds for EU citizens and their families living in the UK, and an end to the uncertainty and insecurity that could see many voting with their feet.

“It’s also vital that any future immigration system is flexible enough to ensure the NHS can recruit and retain doctors and other NHS workers in sufficient numbers.

“Our NHS and patient care are all the richer for having a diverse workforce – it’s crucial we don’t lose valuable experience and expertise because of Brexit.”

Dr Marco Nardini is a thoracic surgery trainee from Italy who moved back in August 2017 after spending almost two years in the UK.

He said: “My decision to leave was not solely because of Brexit, but it was definitely a key factor.

“One of my main concerns was around whether my qualifications would continue to be recognised abroad and in the UK. There’s so much uncertainty at the moment.”