Scottish Parliament ‘must retain influence on NHS Scotland post-Brexit’

Scotland’s health and care system must not be weakened by the UK leaving European agreements and regulations, a group of MSPs has warned.

In a new report, the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee has warned the autonomy of Scottish health service must be protected after Brexit.

The cross-party group has expressed concern that new UK-wide frameworks are being decided by negotiations between governments and not being scrutinised by the Scottish Parliament.

Other concerns include the withdrawal from European research funding and the impact of stricter immigration policies by the UK Government on staffing.

Withdrawal from EURATOM could result in delays to the UK receiving medical isotopes used in the treatment of cancer, according to the report.

Lewis Macdonald MSP, Convener of the Health and Sport Committee, said: “We agree with the Finance and Constitution Committee that Brexit is not solely a matter for Governments but must be transparent and inclusive of Parliament and stakeholders.

“The Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament have a strong history of engagement with people and organisations and this should continue in relation to powers devolved from the EU”.

“The Parliament must maintain its role in scrutinising proposed common frameworks to safeguard the interests of patients, staff and stakeholders across Scotland. We must have the opportunity to consider and input to each of the common frameworks in relation to health and social care before they are finalised”.

All members of the committee except the Scottish Conservatives agreed that Holyrood needs to have the power to adjust immigration policies to allow any shortages in skills in medical workforce to be addressed.