NHS Lanarkshire fears it won't be ready for Brexit

NHS Lanarkshire is so concerned about the potential impact of Brexit disrupting services it is engaging with the Scottish Government.

Concerns from health officials across the country include the possibility of worsening staff shortages and a limit on access to specialist medicines and doctors.

It is estimated that about 17,000 EU nationals work in health and social care in Scotland.

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With the deadline for the UK to leave the EU just over six months away NHS Lanarkshire is becoming increasingly nervous about the unknown future, and on its corporate risk register the health board has stated there is a “very high” risk it will not be operationally ready for Brexit

Gabe Docherty, interim director of Public Health, said: “Like all public bodies across Scotland, we know that the UK’s exit from the European Union will have an impact on the organisation.

“However, without knowing the final outcome and detail of the Brexit negotiations, we can’t say for sure what that impact will be. That’s why, in line with our governance procedures, we have reflected Brexit as a risk on our corporate risk register.

“In addition, we have engaged with the Scottish Government regarding the impact of Brexit on health boards based on the material provided by them to date. We will continue to monitor this risk as part of our regular update of the risk register and will consider action required in line with any further Government guidance issued.”