Fears surrounding the implications of Brexit are beginning to worry the 135000 EU nationals working in the NHS. With the future filled with uncertainty and confusion, many of the EU nationals, who make up 7% of the NHS, are now trying to secure their future. A recent survey conducted by the British Medical Association showed that 42% of health professionals are now considering moving countries due to the fear of lack of support from the UK government if they remain in the UK.

The NHS is already suffering from staffing shortages, with many GP practises hardly managing to stay open. Just a single doctor leaving a practice could lead to it entirely collapsing, having negative effects on the locals and all the members of that practice. The BMA has stressed the importance of prioritising healthcare to the government when undergoing the Brexit negotiations, as the NHS simply cannot handle anymore strain. The BMA have recommended that all the EU nationals who are NHS staff are given permanent residence and also, they have asked for the future immigration policy to remain flexible in regards to trained and skilled professionals to fill the gaps in the workforce.

A second year medical student said “Not only did the referendum results make the EU nationals feel unwanted, but now many are looking to move countries. They have given endless hours to serving the British public and it is not right for them to be treated in this way.”

The future of the whole of the UK remains unclear as the government debate the correct approach to Brexit, but one thing is clear, the EU nationals working for the NHS must be given the support that they deserve.

Kauther Al-Kaaby

Nonsuch High School