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<p>We have now reached agreement with the European Union on an extension until 31
October 2019 at the latest, with the option to leave earlier as soon as a deal has
been ratified. Although Parliament has rejected leaving without a deal multiple times,
this remains the legal default at the end of the extension period, unless a deal is
passed by Parliament.</p><p>In light of the extension, Departments will make sensible
decisions about the timing and pace at which some of this work is progressing, but
we will continue to prepare for all exit scenarios. We remain focused on ensuring
our smooth and orderly withdrawal from the EU with a deal as soon as possible.</p><p>The
Department is considering the impact on our EU exit preparations and we are working
closely with our stakeholders to review our position.</p><p>While we never give guarantees,
we are confident that, if everyone does what they need to do, the supply of medicines
and medical products, including for supplies of clinical trials and investigations,
will be uninterrupted in the event we leave the EU without a deal.</p><p>In terms
of EU exit preparations for local National Health Service organisations, on 18 April
2019 Professor Keith Willett, EU Exit Strategic Commander at NHS England and NHS Improvement,
wrote to clinical commissioning group and trust Chief Executives to update them on
the further extension to Article 50, and the actions that now need to be taken locally
to continue to prepare for the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU. Further details
are available in Professor Willett’s letter that NHS England and NHS Improvement has
published online at the following link:</p><p><a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20130418-KW-EU-exit-letter-final-.pdf"
target="_blank">https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20130418-KW-EU-exit-letter-final-.pdf</a></p><p>These
actions will also apply to cardiac units as they are within trusts.</p>
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