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NHS bodies establish Brexit lobbying groups

How are national NHS organisations responding to the challenge of Brexit negotiations?

NHS, medical research, public health and patient organisations have set up an umbrella group aimed at safeguarding healthcare, research and patient interests during Brexit negotiations.

The Brexit Health Alliance is led by co-chairs Sir Hugh Taylor, former permanent secretary of the Department of Health, and NHS Confederation chief executive Niall Dickson.

The alliance will campaign for healthcare research and technology to receive full attention in the Brexit negotiations.

It will argue that it is in both European and UK interests to maintain co-operation in research and public health issues, and that UK citizens should continue to receive healthcare in EU countries.

The Cavendish coalition, which includes the NHS European Office, the BMA, NHS Employers and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, has been set up to provide negotiators with advice and information on issues affecting health and social care.

NHS Employers chief executive Danny Mortimer, who is also a co-convenor of the Cavendish coalition, has warned that recruitment of EU nurses is ‘drying up’.

He said the decline was due to a lack of clarity about whether EU employees will be allowed to remain in the UK following Brexit. He explained that the reduced value of Sterling and improved economic conditions in other EU countries was also having an impact.

Mr Mortimer reported that supplies of doctors appeared to be unaffected, however.

Further information

GuardianBrexit fears trigger exodus of crucial EU health and social care workers

NHS Confederation: Brexit Health Alliance

NHS Confederation: The Cavendish Coalition

Wellards: Political choices caused shortages, says BMA chief

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