FMQs: Brexit and Covid create “perfect storm” for NHS
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP this afternoon warned the dual crises of Brexit and COVID-19 will create a “perfect storm” for the NHS in January, traditionally the busiest time of the year for our health service.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions this afternoon Mr Harvie highlighted concerns of Scotland’s health boards at the impact of a potential no deal Brexit during a global pandemic.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“Brexit is coming at a time of year when our NHS would normally be under the biggest strain anyway, but with added Covid pressures this January it faces a perfect storm.
“Scotland’s health boards have warned that Brexit could disrupt their services, just at the time when we need them most.
“NHS Tayside has said that a no-deal Brexit could "lead to an inability to deliver safe and effective care". Other boards warn of disruption to medicines supply, workforce shortages, and vulnerable patients abroad being forced to travel home.
“There have already been shortages of key medicines in the last couple of years, including morphine, benzodiazepines, HRT and epilepsy drugs and it is expected that these drugs and others will become increasingly hard to deliver in the months after we’re dragged out of Europe.
“Brexit is being imposed on Scotland against our will, but it is incumbent on the First Minister to ensure that our NHS can cope. We need urgent assurances that access to vital drugs and PPE will not be inhibited by this reckless Tory decision making.”