Growing of ‘catastrophic’ no deal

Buttory Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson has accused opposition politicians and Remainers of “scaremongering”over Brexit.

Scottish Labour health spokesperson Ms Lennon said: “There is no doubt that Brexit poses serious risks to our NHS.

“There is still too much uncertainty regarding everything from staffing implications to what the impact will be on the availability and cost of medicines.

“A no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for our health service, as the British Medical Association themselves stated earlier this year.

“NHS Lanarkshire are right to call for more clarity and guidance from the UK and Scottish Government.

“Thetories must climb down from the cliff edge and secure a deal which protects our country – not one that actively harms it.”

Ms Fabiani said:“with less than six months to go until we leave the EU, the lack of information coming from Westminster makes it really difficult to plan for the future.

“The Scottish Government are doing what they can to assist health boards in these uncertain times.

“Of course, NHS Lanarkshire are concerned – they’ve warned there is a‘very high’ risk that Brexit could cause disruption to its services, worsening staff shortages and limiting access to specialist medicines and doctors.

“NHS Lanarkshire are already working with the Scottish Government to identify potential problems in our area, covering health and social care.”

MP Dr Lisa Cameron said:“it is concerning that NHS Lanarkshire do not as yet have full operational readiness for Brexit and my opinion is that they will require to engage in scenario planning as the outcome in terms of negotiations and outcome remains highly uncertain and therefore worrying for patients.

“I have been working on this issue extensively within the health select committee who have completed written inquiry reports covering medicines supply, science sector, reciprocal healthcare and our NHS workforce.”

Mr Simpson said:“nhs Lanarkshire are right to be looking to see if there are any implications for them from Brexit.

“What is clear is that there have been none so far.there has been a lot of scaremongering around the UK’S withdrawal from the EU and some of that has been deliberate. Organisations such as NHS Lanarkshire must constantly assess if there is any risk to their service.

“On the issue of drug supplies, the UK pharmaceutical industry supplies 45 million packets of drugs to the EU and EEA each month. I think suggestions that the UK will be left with a drug shortage is wide of the mark.

“The NHS employ many foreign nationals and they are vital and welcome.”