‘Robust plans in place’ for health and social care in event of no Brexit deal, says government

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock has said “robust plans” are in place to protect the sector should no deal be reached on Brexit.

In a letter to the sector, Mr Hancock said measures were being put in place to manage the potential implications on the sector if no deal is reached by March 2019.

On immigration, Mr Hancock said the government recognised the “valuable contribution” that EU citizens make to the UK within the health and social care system.

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He highlighted a Home Office toolkit designed to assist employers in reassuring and supporting EU citizens already resident in the UK and their dependents in applying for settled status.

Mr Hancock also highlighted the government’s recent announcement that doctors and nurses are exempt from a cap on skilled worker visas.

The government announced in June that all nurses will be exempted from the Tier 2 (General) limit (see Care England welcomes immigration exemption for social care nurses).

The Secretary of State also reassured the sector that patients will continue to have access to medicines, medical products and high quality care.

Mr Hancock said pharmacists had no need to stockpile additional drugs and medical devices.

“In the unlikely event we leave the EU without a deal in March 2019, based on the current cross government planning scenario we will ensure the UK has an additional six weeks supply of medicines in case imports from the EU through certain routes are affected,” Mr Hancock said.