Daniel Zeichner MP Standing up for Cambridge
Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge, has reacted to the leaked email to NHS chief executive Simon Stevens that reveals the impact that a no-deal Brexit will have on healthcare services. The communication came from NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopson and detailed a damming insight into the Government’s coordination of contingency planning and the impact of a no-deal for the sector.
Mr Zeichner said: “The contents of this email should be of grave concern to us all as we get ever closer to March 29 2019. What this tells us is that NHS services are facing an emergency next spring, with the prospect of needing to stockpile medicines in the face of severe shortages, if the Government doesn’t appropriately plan for no-deal. The specific reference that the “entire supply chain of pharmaceuticals” will be impacted from day one in the event of a no-deal is extremely worrying for Cambridge as a major UK health and life sciences centre.”
“The lack of engagement from the Department of Health and Social Care is particularly worrying. Ensuring people’s health and safety should be priority number one for the Government. Why are they not sufficiently communicating with NHS services to ensure that the sector can continue to provide care to the public if we leave the EU?”
Mr Zeichner went onto say: “Many people voted for Brexit because they were told it would bring huge financial benefits to the NHS to the tune of £350 million a week. That was a lie and Brexit bringing benefits to the NHS could be nothing further from the reality we are facing. Those involved in that campaign will be held accountable for the consequences Brexit will have on our health services.”