Brexit update: further no-deal guidance from DHSC

The Government has today sent new EU Exit Operational Readiness Guidance to all health and care providers as part of the Department’s work to increase preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit.

The guidance covers:

• supply of medicines and vaccines
• supply of medical devices and clinical consumables
• supply of non-clinical consumables, goods and services
• workforce
• reciprocal healthcare
• research and clinical trials
• data sharing, processing and access

Commenting on the guidance, RPS President Ash Soni said:

“It's important that contingency planning continues to be accelerated to ensure an ongoing supply of medicines in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

“We welcome the Government’s confirmation that health and social care providers and patients should not stockpile medicines and the Secretary of State’s reassurance that the Government is working with industry to ensure continued supply of medicines. 

“Short-term shortages of medicines due to supply chain issues or increased demand are not uncommon and pharmacists frequently help manage these in their everyday practice, ensuring patients are able to receive appropriate treatment.

"The RPS has been in discussions with the Department of Health and Social Care on proposals to amend the Human Medicines Regulation 2012 to enable pharmacists to dispense an alternative medicine in case of shortages.  

"The RPS will continue engaging with the Government, NHS, professional bodies and wider stakeholders on how contingency plans will work in practice."

Read the full EU Exit Operational Readiness Guidance.

Read the DHSC letter to health and social care providers.