| answer text |
<p>As in preparation for 29 March and 12 April, our contingency plans for 31 October
will 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>The
Department has continued to work closely with the devolved administrations, industry
trade bodies 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><p>While we never give guarantees, we are confident
that, if everyone – including suppliers, freight companies, international partners
and the health and care system – does what they need to do, the supply of medicines
and medical products should be uninterrupted in the event of a ‘no deal’ EU exit.</p>
|
|
