Northern Ireland

GPs urged to plan for no deal Brexit but warned against stockpiling drugs

Dr George O'Neill has said it is difficult to plan for Brexit when there are so many "unknowns"
Dr George O'Neill has said it is difficult to plan for Brexit when there are so many "unknowns" Dr George O'Neill has said it is difficult to plan for Brexit when there are so many "unknowns"

LETTERS have been sent to GPs across Northern Ireland asking them to produce "continuity" plans in the event of a no deal Brexit - and warning against stockpiling drugs.

The Department of Health issued the correspondence on Tuesday, urging doctors to provide "reassurance" on the "availability of medicine and supplies to to any members of the public who may be concerned".

Stressing that patient welfare is its "overriding priority", the letter reinforces guidance issued last month by the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer cautioning GPs against writing longer prescriptions than normal in the run-up to March 29, when the UK is due to leave the EU.

"Stockpiling should be avoided," it states.

The correspondence, seen by by the Irish News, comes as guidance from the Royal College of Radiologists in London revealed potential hospital delays in the testing and treatments of cancer, due to the transport of specific drugs used in the diagnosis of the disease.

Clinicians have been urged to reduce their workload in the days after March 29, according to the guidance which was leaked to BBC Newsnight.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health letter urges GP practices to assess the fall-out of a worst-case scenario Brexit on their workforce, with an increasing number of foreign nationals now working in surgeries across the north.

"All practices should have up-to-date business continuity plans in place and have considered them in light of EU Exit," it states.

"Practices should have considered any potential impact of EU Exit on their staffing and workforce, including making relevant staff aware of the EU settlement scheme which will fully open in March."

While life-saving cross-border services such as children's congenital heart surgery in Dublin are understood to be protected, the department letter gives no reassurances on services such as maternity care.

Many women in border towns such as Dundalk and Drogheda travel to maternity hospitals in the northern towns including Newry to give birth.

The letter, written by the department's director of primary care, Mark Lee, adds: "Current arrangements for reciprocal healthcare (which includes the use of EHIC cards, S1 and S2 routes, and the Cross-Border Directive) will continue until 29th March and all healthcare professionals should continue to support individuals who apply for authorised treatment or maternity care in another member state.

"It should be noted that we expect cross-border services, which are not reliant on European regulations or frameworks, such as the Paediatric Congenital Heart Service to continue."

Doctors who are likely to"cross the border" with house-calls are also asked to draw up plans.

Dr George O'Neill, a GP based in west Belfast, said it it was very difficult for practices to produce a "continuity plan" when there were "so many unknowns".

"It will also depend on where you are situated, especially for those in border towns," he said.

"There are many practices who employ foreign nationals, including our own. In Dungannon for example there are many GP receptionists who are Polish and are able to translate for patients.

"It's hard to plan for something that's outside your control."