Brexit and Health Care Staff

Brexit is an abbreviation of "Britain" and "exit" and refers to the withdrawal process of the United Kingdom from the European Union (EU).

Since Brexit's decision, much has been said about the implications this would have for UK citizens and for other European citizens. Brexit has generated concerns in healthcare staff currently working in the UK and uncertainty in health professionals who choose the UK to work.

Last April, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has written a letter to all health and care staff in England, to give more information about the ongoing preparation for leaving the European Union.
The letter provides information on:

• the rights of EU citizens to remain in the UK after it leaves the EU
• the continued recognition of EU professional qualifications in the UK
• medicines and prescribing in the event of a no-deal EU Exit

The letter emphasises that the UK Government has put in place legislation that ensures the continued recognition of European qualifications by all professional regulators covering the health and social care sectors, including the General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, General Dental Council and Health and Care Professions Council.

In the letter says: “EU staff who are currently practising in the UK can continue to do so, and that professionals qualified in the EEA and Switzerland can continue to apply for registration after exit day, even if we leave without a deal.”

To learn more and read the full letter, see here.