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Pain Management 2019 & Internal Medicine 2019
International Journal of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine
ISSN: 2471-982X
Page 60
JOINT EVENT
7
th
Edition of International Conference on
Pain Management
8
th
Edition of International Conference on
Internal Medicine &
Patient Care
&
March 25-26, 2019
Rome, Italy
Int J Anesth Pain Med 2019, Volume 5
DOI: 10.21767/2471-982X-C1-006
Accident and emergency? the impacts of brexit in the
context of emergency medicine in the UK
Laura Alice Rose Alger
King’s College London, UK
Statement of the Problem:
The impact that Brexit will
have on the NHS is a contentious issue which has been at
the forefront of the debate for some time. Accident and
Emergency (A&E) departments are already considerably
understaffed and therefore are likely to be significantly
affected. By examining the potential consequences and
reflecting on how they may translate into reality, action
can be taken to preserve the safe and effective provision
of emergency medical services.
Methodology:
An informal literature search of relevant
publications pertaining to the United Kingdom’s exit from
the European Union was performed. This was collated
with governmental and NHS guidance to explore the
potential impacts on UK emergency medical services.
Findings:
5.6% of all NHS staff and 9.7% of doctors
originate from Europe and GMC research shows that
60.8% of these doctors have considered leaving the
NHS due to Brexit. A 2017 Royal College of Emergency
Medicine report states the need to employ a further 2,200
emergency medicine consultants in such an event. Given
the current financial standing of the NHS, this seems
unfeasible, especially combined with declining medical
school applications from students with home fee status.
Conclusion & Significance:
It is vital that the socio-
economic implications of Brexit on healthcare are
not ignored and that steps are taken to ensure that
certain groups are not discriminated against, both as
NHS workers and patients. Efforts to retain and recruit
emergency medics must be made a priority if the NHS is
to continue to provide high-quality emergency care.
laura.alger95@gmail.com