The Royal College of Physicians has sent an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for the NHS and wider health and care system to be at the heart of Brexit negotiations.
The letter, signed by the heads of 17 royal colleges and health charities across the UK states, "...we are simply unable to reassure patients that their health and care won't be negatively impacted by the UK's exit from the EU". It also voices "significant concerns about shortages of medical supplies" due to potential delays at border and customs checks which could exacerbate current supply issues.
Kidney Care UK Policy Director, Fiona Loud said that: "We are in regular contact with the Department of Health and Social Care on the preparatory work for Brexit and encouraged by their closer working with health partners. However we believe that everything possible should be done to ensure patients continue to receive their medications and are supported by their medical devices whatever form of Brexit we get."
A Government spokesperson said: “The Government is doing everything appropriate to prepare to leave the EU on the 31st October, whatever the circumstance.The Department of Health and Social Care has been working closely with partners across the health and care system and industry on robust preparations.
“Patients can be reassured that our plans should ensure the supply of medicines and medical products remains uninterrupted and they will continue to receive the excellent standard of care they currently do.”
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An update on Brexit
We have pulled together some recent developments which may affect kidney patients during our exit from the EU.