Sick and elderly worry Brexit will hurt access to meds
Mickleburgh, 38, gave up her job as a management consultant to care for her daughter, who must be monitored constantly — even in the middle of the night — to make sure her blood sugar levels are steady. Every time Grace has so much as a cookie, Vicki needs to check her.
So for this family in southeastern
"It's a life or death situation," says Mickleburgh. The constant talk about a no-deal Brexit and the havoc it could cause in trade with the EU is making her nervous. "You don't want the additional stress or worry of where her next vial of insulin is going to come from."
Victoria's stress highlights a problem for everyone in this country.
The risk of a no-deal Brexit is increasing as Prime Minister
Against this backdrop, the government has stepped up planning for the disruptions that are likely to be caused if 45 years of free trade end abruptly on
"Despite the industry doing everything it can (to prepare) for no deal, the complexity of no deal means there will be stresses in the system," said
But stockpiling isn't enough to ensure long-term supplies because two-thirds of the medicines consumed in the
Drug companies are pushing the British government to open other ports for their use. There are plans to lease additional ferries and the government has proposed airlifting drugs if necessary.
"The government recognizes the vital importance of medicines and medical products and is working to ensure that there is sufficient roll-on, roll-off freight capacity to enable these vital products to continue to move freely into the
Consumers wonder whether the government is doing enough. Much of the focus has been on drugs that require strict temperature controls and are most at risk from long delays on hot summer days. Insulin, for example, must be stored at between 2 degrees and 8 degrees Celsius (35.6 degrees to 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
"In the event of a no deal Brexit, then the replenishment of the stock is the really key thing here," said Pinder Sahota, general manager of
"I have no confidence that this can be managed on this scale," he said. "It's an enormous undertaking. The idea that you can stockpile the whole of the
The constant drumbeat of news reports about Brexit is not calming parents like Mickleburgh and others who worry about whether the contingency plans will be enough.
People with Type 1 diabetes are unable to make their own insulin, which is essential for processing food. Without regular doses, diabetics could suffer complications including serious damage to their heart and blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, nerves and feet.
Mickleburgh looked over at Grace — all blonde hair and energy — and had to stop herself from paying attention to her for even a moment. She handed Grace a
"There's no manual" to dealing with a sick child, she said. "Sometimes things don't always go to plan."
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