Leading NHS trust group warns no-deal Brexit could lead to cancelled operations

The chief executive of University Hospitals Birmingham has warned that NHS trusts could ‘quickly run out of vital medicine’ in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Dr David Rosser said medicine shortages and ‘unprecedented’ distribution difficulties could lead to some operations being delayed, despite NHS stockpiling.

According to a spokesperson from the Department of Health, planning for a no-deal Brexit was ‘ongoing’.

They added “We are working closely with the NHS, industry and the supply chain to make detailed plans to ensure continued access to healthcare, medical devices and clinical supplies in the event of no deal.”

Dr Rosser said, in a paper presented to the Birmingham trust’s board last week “In terms of the potential for major operational impact and severe and widespread risks to public safety, by far the greatest concern is the availability of medicines, devices and clinical supplies.”

Dr Rosser added that a report published by the Department of Health into the medicines that were expected to face shortages had “not been made available” to trusts, but that “it is assumed that a significant proportion of the medicines and consumables we use at UHB on a daily basis may be at risk.

“In the context of an individual, no-urgent case, there would be no question that the correct decision would be to postpone the intervention.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 738