Following several requests from the Trust we have now received a statement from the Office of Life Sciences on the availability of medicines post Brexit as follows:
"We are working to update guidance on Gov.UK in relation to advice for EU Exit, but this is primarily targeted at industry and suppliers of medicines and medical products. The content is continually being updated.
The NHS website contains advice more specific to patients regarding EU Exit. This will also continue to be updated as and when new advice becomes available.
The advice for patients is to continue to take and order their medication as normal. Local stockpiling can lead to shortages for others. The Department of Health and Social Care has well established procedures to deal with medicine shortages, from whatever cause, and works closely with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the pharmaceutical industry, NHS England, and others operating in the supply chain to help prevent shortages so that the risks to patients are minimised when they do arise anywhere in the UK.
Finally, we do want to reassure you and your patients that we are working closely with partners across the health and care system and industry to take all appropriate steps to prepare for Brexit on 31 October. Our plans should ensure the supply of medicines and medical products remains uninterrupted. There is no evidence to date of any supply issues that relate to Brexit.
Yours sincerely,
Office for Life Sciences"
Please also find a link to NHS England's Continuity of supply frequently asked questions.
