BMA Scotland urges protection for EU NHS staff

Dr Peter Bennie - credit BMA Scotland

Doctor’s union the BMA has asked politicians to reassure and safeguard the place of migrant workers from the European Union in Scotland’s NHS.

The call follows a tumultuous week in which Conservative leadership hopefuls have argued over whether the future of existing EU nationals working in Britain should form part of negotiations for Britain’s exit from the EU.

The BMA welcomed reassurances from the Scottish Government over the future of EU migrants in Scotland, but called on all politicians to protect the NHS from “detrimental changes” in the wake of the referendum result.

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The body also pledged to continue to work with other organisations across Europe, whatever the result of Brexit negotiations, and to provide holistic support to concerned members.

Peter Bennie, chair of the BMA in Scotland, said a lack of clarity meant NHS staff from EU countries needed to feel supported.

“In the midst of recruitment and retention problems, the last thing the NHS needs is any further loss of medical staff, so we would encourage politicians in Scotland to provide real and swift assurances for what the vote will mean for people from elsewhere in the EU who live and work in Scotland,” he said.