The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) have published their response to the government consultation on the ‘Development of a Serious Shortage Protocol’ for drug supplies in the possible event of a no-deal Brexit:
“Serious shortages of drugs would cause significant risks to patients. The Academy therefore recognises that planning for managing a serious drug shortage, whatever the cause, is sensible. As such the Academy welcomes any proposals to support timely decision-making and delivery of drugs to patients in the event of serious shortages.”
The AoMRC response accompanies guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), who at the end of December published ‘Brexit operational readiness guidance for the health and care system in England’. The guidance, developed and agreed with NHS England and NHS Improvement, is intended to support the health and care system in England to be prepared for a no-deal scenario. It summarises the areas where the DHSC is focusing no-deal exit contingency planning, and where local action is required.
All information from the AoMRC and DHSC is accurate at the time of publication however, with the government’s exit plan still unfolding, some aspects may be subject to review and change.