Health and social care after Brexit (medicines and services)
The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. This process is often known as 'Brexit'.
From 1 January 2021 a new relationship with the EU will begin. There will be effects on some areas of life in Scotland.
This may include changes to health and social care.
UK citizens
If you currently live in Scotland and are a UK citizen, Brexit will not affect your current rights to health and social care, including GP and hospital services.
There may be extra pressures on health and social care services if the Brexit transition period ends before an EU trade deal has been agreed (a 'non-negotiated outcome').
However, the Scottish Government previously made preparations for a potential 'no deal' exit last year and those plans are ready to be used in the future, if needed.
Medical supplies
From 1 January 2021, there should be no disruption to the supply of:
- medicines
- medical devices (instruments and other equipment used in hospitals and other health and social care settings)
- clinical consumables including Personal Protective Equipment or 'PPE' (disposable or short life goods used in hospitals and other health and social care settings)
Medicines
The Scottish Government is working with the UK Government to make sure medicine supplies continue and are not interrupted.
However, sometimes shortages do happen in the NHS. This is normal and there are systems in place to inform GPs and pharmacists about any issues.
If there are any issues that might affect your prescription, then your GP or pharmacist will let you know.
Medical devices
The Scottish Government is working with NHS National Services Scotland (Scotland's National Procurement body) to make sure it has enough stock in its National Distribution Centre.
Our Health Boards and NHS National Services Scotland work with suppliers to prevent shortages. This process will continue after 1 January 2021.
Clinical consumables
NHS National Services Scotland make sure the right supply of clinical consumables are available.
The Scottish Government has:
- established robust PPE supply chains
- supported manufacturers based in Scotland to develop PPE production, including the manufacture of raw materials
NHS National Services Scotland has increased its PPE stock. This means there should be minimal risks to supply.
Healthcare for UK nationals living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
UK nationals living and working in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein on 31 December 2020, will still be able to access healthcare.
This includes:
- UK state-pensioners (S1 holders)
- people getting a UK benefit while living abroad
- UK frontier workers with an S1 form, for as long as they continue to be a frontier worker in their host state (and have started working in their host state before 31 December 2020).
You can find more information on accessing healthcare when living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein on GOV.UK.
EU citizens
Healthcare for EU nationals living in the UK
Nationals from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein resident in the UK on 31 December 2020, who will still be able to:
EU citizens working in health and social care
Many EU citizens currently work in health and social care settings in Scotland and their contribution is greatly valued.
The Scottish Parliament has approved legislation - enacted by the UK Government - to make sure the process for recognising professional qualifications is not disrupted from 1 January 2021
You find more information on recognising professional qualifications on GOV.UK.
EU citizens should be able to continue working as they do now, but will need to apply for settled status by 30 June 2021 to continue living and working in the UK.
The EU citizens living in Scotland page gives the latest information on this. This includes details on how to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, and on the Scottish Government's advisory service for EU citizens.
More information
More details on health and social care from 1 January 2021 will be added to this page as new information becomes available.
You can also check GOV.UK's guidance on the Transition Period. This includes any news and details of further actions that can be taken by citizens and businesses.
Wellbeing support for health and social care workers
If you're a health and social care worker you can get advice and support for your mental health and wellbeing during coronavirus.
Clear Your Head provides practical advice on:
- how to stay active
- keep connected with friends and family
- create healthy routines.
The National Wellbeing Hub gives evidence-based information and advice for Scotland's health and social care workers. This includes unpaid carers and workers from:
- the NHS
- third sector
- Health and Social Care Partnerships
- care homes
