A TYPE 1 diabetes patient from Bromsgrove is looking for answers on the effect Brexit could have on the supply of drugs and medical equipment she and others depend on.
The insulin ‘consumables’ Kirstie Plummer depends on come from Maastricht in the Netherlands and she is concerned what will happen if the UK leaves the EU.
She said she had written to Sajid Javid, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, former Prime Minister Theresa May and the previous chief medical officer about her fears and, although she had received generic replies, the responses did not answer her questions and had dented her trust and confidence.
Kirstie, who has had Type 1 diabetes since she was a teenager, said she and a thousand other adults and children in Bromsgrove and Redditch would be among those hit by any drugs shortage potentially putting their lives in danger.
“I have sent ten letters – none of the replies answering my simple questions. Why can’t they be answered?
“Without answers I remain unassured Brexit in its current form is safe for those of us reliant on medication and medical supplies to stay alive.”
Approached by the Standard, the town’s election hopefuls chose to steer clear of specific answers.
Mr Javid said he was unable to comment on private correspondence but added: “A majority Conservative Government will ensure the UK leaves the EU with a smooth deal, with no need for any disruption.”
Bromsgrove Liberal Democrat candidate Dr David Nicholl, who is campaigning for Britain to stay in the EU, said 37million medicines arrived from the Union each month.
He questioned whether a trade deal could be done by December 31, 2020, when the transition period would come to an end if Brexit happened in January.
Labour candidate Rory Shannon said from day one his party would start negotiations with the EU for a new deal.
That deal would focus on protecting citizens’ and workers’ rights and ensuring there was continuity, especially when it came to pharmaceuticals supply.
Labour’s deal would then be put to a public referendum where people could vote for it or to remain in the EU.
