At the time the Pulse went to print, NHS Lanarkshire’s resilience preparations were underway for UK’s anticipated departure from the European Union (EU).

Potential implications for the NHS across the country include the sustainability of contracts in relation to the supply of goods and services, such as equipment and medicines, and on workforce.

Gabe Docherty, director of public health, leads on resilience for the organisation and says it’s vital for NHS Lanarkshire to be as prepared as possible: “We’re currently developing a programme of preparedness to ensure that we’re in the best possible position to respond to the impact of Brexit.

“Not knowing the nature of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU makes it difficult to estimate the full extent of the impact but we know that it will be significant, bringing risks and threats to the services the NHS provides. Many aspects of these are being managed at a national level by the Scottish Government and national boards such as NSS (National Services Scotland). However, there is still much to prepare at a local level since it’s the territorial boards who provide services directly to patients.

“Our top priority is to ensure patient safety and protect public health, particularly for our most vulnerable patients.

“Information and guidance for staff is being prepared. Meanwhile, everyone can play a part in reassuring patients that we are working on contingency plans to minimise disruption to services as much as possible.”

There is a dedicated EU withdrawal page at http://firstport2/resources/programmes-projects/eu-withdrawal/default.aspx