Health and social care - Brexit information

The UK is preparing to leave the European Union. There are two main options for leaving: with a ‘withdrawal agreement’ and a period of time to put necessary arrangements in place; or without an agreed deal. A ‘no deal’ Brexit may include changes to health and social care.

Health and social care services

Planning for Brexit has been developed to try and make sure that there is as little impact upon the health service as possible.

Health and social care services are not expected to be immediately affected and will continue to work as normal on a day-to-day basis.

This includes emergency care, social care, GP and dentist services. There isn't any need to change appointments or planned surgery.

Medicines and medical supplies

The supply of medicines and medical products is expected to continue as normal.

You should continue to order repeat prescriptions and take medicines as normal - there is no need to ask your GP for a longer prescription.

You can find further information at these links:

Cross-border services

No major disruption to cross-border health and social care services is expected.

Any potential impacts on cross border acute services will be discussed with Department of Health and Social Care (UK) and the Department of Health (RoI) through existing joint oversight arrangements.

Common Travel Area

After the UK leaves the EU, British citizens in Ireland or Irish citizens in the UK will therefore continue to have the mutual rights associated with the Common Travel Area.  These rights include the right to access health services.

Healthcare abroad

The UK government has published information on health cover while travelling abroad:

There is further information on healthcare for UK citizens living in the EU/ EEA and Switzerland:

Information on holidaying after Brexit is also available:

Healthcare staff and providers

The Department of Health NI has advice for healthcare staff and healthcare providers:

UK government guidance

The UK government has published guidance on how to prepare in a 'no-deal' situation – including the regulation and safety of medicines, medical devices and clinical consumables.

 

 

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