05.09.18
Overseas healthcare staff could cost almost £500m post-Brexit, RCP says
Employing overseas healthcare staff could cost almost £500m a year following Britain’s departure from the EU, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has claimed.
In a statement released today, president elect Dr Andrew Goddard said that in the current climate the NHS “simply could not function” without EU and international staff that come to work in the NHS.
“The contribution and dedication of staff from overseas is huge, and we must show our continued appreciation by championing their commitment to the NHS at every opportunity…” wrote Dr Goddard.
“With research indicating workforce is at breaking point, anything that impacts this NHS’s ability to recruit talented, hardworking professionals is a major risk. We know there are no overnight fixes to our staffing challenges. In the short to medium term there are no alternatives other than to increase international recruitment to ensure resources are put in place to retain current staff.”
The £490m calculation takes into account current visa and associated costs and the 2017 Conservative manifesto pledge for further increases, and £150m for the over 12,300 recruited and their dependents that are currently exempt from fees.
The recent relaxation of tier 2 visa caps, allowing thousands more doctors and nurses to join workforces around the UK, indicate that the government recognises the vital contribution of EU and international staff, but Brexit “creates a major risk,” Dr Goddard added.
Britain’s departure from the EU will impact the health sector elsewhere as well: new health secretary Matt Hancock had to confirm last month that the NHS will not need to stockpile vital medicines in the case of a ‘no-deal Brexit’ after NHS trusts outlined their concern about the government’s “radio silence” on a potential drug shortage.
Dr Goddard commented: “As the NHS prepares for life post-Brexit we certainly don’t need the worry of extra costs or valuable overseas staff feeling alienated by the continuing lack of information. This money would be much better spent on high quality patient care and delivering the urgent integration agenda.
“The RCP’s challenge to government is clear – set out the timetable for the publication of the proposed new immigration system, remove health workers from any planned visa caps, minimise bureaucracy and give assurance that any new Brexit-related costs for the NHS and social care will be funded centrally. Lives are depending on it.”
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