Medicine shortage 'is not a sudden issue’

Fears of a no-deal Brexit have been mentioned in connection with a shortage of supply of some common medicines in the UK.

But a spokesman for HSC said that this is nothing to worry about: ‘It is important to stress this is not a sudden issue,’ he said.

‘It is a long-term one which has existed for many years and which occasionally presents more of an issue.

‘This is not the first time it has happened and patients do not need to be concerned.’

As for Brexit itself, earlier this month Policy & Resources moved to reassure islanders that it was preparing for all scenarios, including a no-deal.

‘Work is continuing to ensure the security of supply of foods, medicines and medical supplies, fuels and chemicals,’ said the committee, although it also recommended that businesses make their own plans.

Guernsey British Medical Association representative Dr Mat Dorrian said that

he felt HSC was doing all it could in preparing for whatever comes out of Brexit.

‘I don’t think there’s anything else that could be done by HSC,’ he said.

‘The authorities locally are absolutely making sure they’re prepared.

'The difficulty of course is we don’t know what we’re preparing for.

‘If it becomes a crisis, it won’t be a crisis of our making. The last thing we want to do is scaremonger.

‘I think the BMA locally would be very supportive of working collaboratively with HSC in the event of a no-deal Brexit to make sure we retained supplies to Guernsey.’