Shropshire Star

Shropshire medics issue warning over 'crippling' effects of Brexit on NHS

Doctors and nurses from Shropshire are among the signatories to a letter warning of the damage Brexit is doing to the National Health Service.

Published

Three county health professionals have signed the letter that warns of their concerns about the impact on the region's hospitals and GP surgeries.

The signatories include, Anthony Morgan, a doctor from Ludlow, Paul Myres, a doctor from North Shropshire, and Sarah Cooper, a nurse from The Wrekin.

Their letter, which has also been signed by four other medical professionals from surrounding counties, states: "As doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals from the West Midlands, we see the damage Brexit is already inflicting on our treasured National Health Service."

They raise concerns over the loss of European workers to the NHS and the impact on patients.

The letter states: "No one voted to leave the NHS overstretched and underfunded. We were promised an extra £350 million a week. But today, our NHS is facing a nightmare.

Crippling

"The loss of thousands of European staff has led to crippling staff shortages. In the West Midlands region alone, over 13,000 doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals have come from the EU, according to data unearthed by Best for Britain and Tech for UK.

"EU staff make an invaluable contribution to our hospitals, helping provide the highest standard of care. So let’s be clear when we talk about EU staff leaving our hospitals. We are not just losing trusted colleagues. We are losing our friends.

"We know government’s Brexit deal would be terrible for Britain and for patients’ health. It would mean giving up access to nuclear isotopes for cancer treatment by leaving Euratom.

"And a 'no deal' would be even worse. Instead of focusing on patient care, the NHS is having to stockpile medicines and even body bags. It is outrageous that the government is still toying with a cliff-edge Brexit.

"That's why we absolutely cannot allow Brexit to cause more damage than it already has. We will make our voices heard, and to stop the government from running our world-class NHS into the ground.

"That’s why we, the undersigned, urge our MPs to stop this harmful Brexit."