Sir, – The presidents of the Royal Medical Colleges of Physicians in Scotland, England and Ireland met in Belfast to discuss closer collaboration as Brexit nears.
Our discussions highlighted the huge potential impact that Brexit could have on patient care in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland where service design and delivery transcend the Border.
It is essential that safe, high-quality patient care remains the top priority and that nothing hinders the flow of staff, patients and the medicines they require in any post-Brexit arrangements.
We therefore call on all those engaged with the Brexit process on the island of Ireland to work to ensure that the interests of patients are foremost in their thoughts over the coming days and weeks. – Yours, etc.
Prof DEREK BELL OBE, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh;
Prof MARY HORGAN, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland;
Prof JACKIE TAYLOR, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow;
Prof ANDREW GODDARD, President, Royal College of Physicians of London.
