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<p>As in preparation for 29 March and 12 April, our ‘no deal’ contingency plans for
31 October cover the National Health Service, social care and the independent sector
and covers all medicines, medical devices and clinical consumables, supplies for clinical
trials, vaccines and countermeasures, and organs and tissues for transplants.</p><p>Specialist
nutritional products including prescription foods and synthetic protein supplements
are an important part of patient care throughout the health and social care sector.
In recognition of this we have made this a specific area of focus within our preparedness
arrangements.</p><p>The Department has continued to work closely with the devolved
administrations, industry trade bodies including the British Specialist Nutrition
Association and suppliers, the NHS and other key stakeholders. Prior to 29 March,
the Department analysed the supply chains of 12,300 medicines, close to half a million
product lines of medical devices and clinical consumables, vaccines used in national
and local programmes, and essential non-clinical goods on which the health and care
system relies. These analyses and assessments have been updated where necessary and
will continue to be refined while a ‘no deal’ European Union exit remains a possibility.
This work has informed our plans.</p><p>We are asking suppliers to analyse their supply
chains and to make alternative plans if they anticipate disruption, including rerouting
to alternative ports or using airfreight where necessary. Our contingency measures
aim to support industry-led measures and, where required, act as a ‘last resort’ to
be used only when a supplier’s alternative arrangements encounter difficulties, to
ensure uninterrupted supply.</p>
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