04/12/2017
In light of the UK decision to leave the EU, some points have been raised by the King’s Fund think-tank. Leaving the EU brings some uncertainty to the health and social care system, which is already facing increasing pressures.
The King’s Fund group found five points which should be looked at more closely considering the upcoming Brexit date.
Accessing treatment in the UK and abroad
The government needs to discuss the issue of medical treatment in the UK and all the EU countries.
Although the average usage of health services may be lower by migrants – partly due to the age bracket being lower – there are about 3 million EU migrants in the UK. There are at present 1.2 million Brits who live abroad.
Negotiations need to be started to decide how UK citizens and EU citizens will receive reciprocal treatment. Some reciprocal agreements are in place in some countries, although not all EU countries have them.
Staffing solutions
The government needs to be more specific in areas where EU nationals work in the health and social care sector.
It is well-known that the NHS is battling to recruit permanent staff. Retaining them is also a great problem.
Of the 1.3 million workers in social care services, over 80,000 are from EU countries. There needs to be more clarity about whether the UK will continue to allow EU nationals to fill positions in the UK, and if so, what visa and entry requirements will be in place.
Cross border co-operation
Right now, there is free movement for researchers across Europe. This has greatly helped in researchers being able to access funding for research.
There is also in place a system for early warning of diseases which can be spread easily. The European Centre for Disease prevention and Control plays an important role in communicating with the UK when there are health issues.
After the UK has left the EU, would these still be in place? If not, what would replace the system?
Regulations
There are some regulations which are EU stipulations, and the UK government needs to clarify whether these will be re-drafted or kept in place. These pertain to regulation of medicines, working times, competition laws, and regulations which apply to medical education between EU countries.
Specifically, the development and supply of new medicines may affect the UK adversely. EU countries may choose to not work with the UK in research and development, and may be reluctant to supply Britain with medicines which up till now have been readily available.
Funding and Finance
A lengthy decline in sterling value will mean an increase in inflation, which will then lead to higher prices for medications and NHS services.
Cuts to social care funding will have an adverse effect on the NHS, as well as to the general economy of the country. The country may see an increase in taxes, and further cuts in public spending.
This year is already proving to be challenging for the NHS, and with additional costs it remains to be seen how patients and service providers will be affected.
These are major issues which will affect the Health and Social Care Services in the future. It is imperative that the government addresses them as soon as possible, and the public then informed about the plan of action, so that people can begin to make their own plans.
