THE COUNTY’S main hospitals are “prepared for an element of supply chain disruption”, but are telling their departments not to stockpile medicines and equipment ahead of Brexit.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust board will hear its senior officers are receiving reports six times a week about the preparations for the UK’s planned departure from the EU.

In his report, SaTH Emergency Planning and Resilience Officer Stewart Mason writes: “With a continued amount of uncertainty surrounding the impacts of an EU exit, the necessity to keep oversight upon its potential disruption upon the NHS is paramount.

“The EU Exit Operational Guidance that has been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care highlights a need to focus and address business continuity.”

Regarding equipment and supplies, any “shortfall or risk” that goes “beyond the obvious daily requirements” is being dealt with by procurement bosses, he adds.

“The leads for procurement and medical engineering have been working in line with national guidance to ensure clinical and non-clinical supply chain across the Trust is prepared for an element of disruption,” Mr Mason writes.

“Instruction with regard to not stockpiling has been followed and shared across the services.”

SaTH Chief Operating Officer Nigel Lee has been appointed as Senior Responsible Officer for Brexit, and Mr Mason notes he has requested “information with regards to financial costs acquired or pending as a result of EU exit preparations”.

A summary of these should be available in time for the next Trust board meeting at the end of May.

“As the time draws towards the point of proposed EU Exit, whichever date is determined, the Trust will continue to ramp up plans and ensure executive engagement in order to support any response required both in and out of core hours,” Mr Mason adds.

“National daily reporting (Monday to Friday) is underway and will continue via NHS Digital. A once-weekly (Monday) additional reporting submission is also being actioned.”

Mr Mason’s report will be discussed by SaTH’s board when it meets at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital today (Thursday, April 4).