Brexit could worsen NHS staff shortages, doctors warn

UK healthcare leaders have publicly hailed the contribution of staff from other European Union countries, amid fears that the service may struggle to retain and recruit staff from the EU after the UK voted to leave the union.

England’s health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, said that staff from other EU countries were “a crucial part of our NHS,” while NHS trusts and senior leaders paid tribute by taking part in a social media campaign with the hashtag #LoveOurEUStaff.

The display of solidarity came as concern was raised that widespread uncertainty in the wake of the referendum result was causing some nurses and doctors recruited from other EU countries to reconsider their decision to work in the UK. It also followed reports of some NHS staff being subjected to racist abuse after the referendum result on 24 June.

Scientists and researchers have also reacted with dismay at the news that the UK had voted to leave the EU.1 2 …