Commenting on the effect of Brexit on the NHS, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“Speaking as a nurse of over thirty years, I truly believe there are fewer areas in which Brexit will damage as much as our health service.

“Leaving the EU is a significant threat to Scotland’s future economic prosperity, and further financial pressures on our NHS may arise post-Brexit. It is vital opposition back Scottish Government calls to remain in the single market and customs union to minimise financial devastation.

“The Scottish Government will continue working closely with NHS Lanarkshire and other health boards to try and best prepare for its impact, however we do so at the mercy of this disastrous UK Government who are driving us off a hard Brexit cliff-edge.

“The workforce of our health service is our greatest asset and many of these people are EU nationals. Not only is it vital that we retain these hardworking staff, but we must continue to attract Europe’s brightest and best to work in our NHS.

“The Scottish Government has committed to paying any UK Government imposed ‘settled status’ fee for all EU nationals working in our public sector as we value their contribution and wish to reassure them Scotland remains their home.”

Date published: 19th October 2018