Government advice on ‘no deal’ Brexit planning
Matt Hancock, Health and Social Care Secretary has written to all NHS organisations and service providers with guidance in preparing for a ‘no deal’ Brexit. He has also published letters to suppliers of medical devices and clinical consumables, as well as to pharmaceutical companies, outlining contingency plans should the UK government fail to reach a Brexit agreement with the EU. The UK’s withdrawal from the EU membership is due to start from March 2019 and a summit to conclude negotiations to leave the EU are scheduled for October 2018.
Mr Hancock advises that laboratories should not stock pile or over order supplies. All suppliers whether via supply chain, direct purchase or via managed service contracts have been asked to ensure that they maintain sufficient stocks to deliver a six week contingency over existing stocks.
Further information
Formal advice can be found on the DHSC website and in a letter from the Health and Social Care Secretary to health care providers:
Advice to suppliers of medical devices and clinical consumables
The government’s preparations for a potential no deal Brexit: letter to Health and care sector