UNDER-PRESSURE hospitals could struggle to keep vital staff as the impact of the Brexit vote is felt.

 

A large number of EU nationals work at hospitals across Sussex but concerns have been raised many may leave when the UK leaves the union.

 

There are also fears hospitals will struggle to attract staff from the EU in the future.

 

About 13 per cent of staff at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals are from EU countries.

 

The turnover rate for the trust has risen by almost two per cent since the Brexit referendum.

 

A trust spokeswoman said: “Our EU staff work across all professions and in every area of the hospital and their contribution to the work we do is immeasurable.

 

“Our overall turnover rate has increased in the last twelve months, although it is not possible to quantify whether that is as a direct result of the decision to leave the EU.

 

“The factors which impact on our staff turnover are multi-factorial and complex.

 

“What we do know is that our current EU staff are fundamental to the safe and efficient running of the hospital and it is vital that we are able to retain them and continue recruiting staff from EU countries.”

 

GMB regional organiser Gary Palmer said: “It is widely acknowledged the NHS is currently struggling to recruit and retain permanent staff,

 

“The GMB continues to express its concern both regionally and nationally that Brexit potentially could only exacerbate the existing big gaps across the health and social care workforce.

 

“GMB members are telling us that they are really concerned that as of yet the lack of official reassurance on their futures within the NHS after Brexit is already having a effect on their making long-term plans and commitments.

 

“Some could potentially look to leave the UK early if the government won’t give clear assurances about the position of EU nationals resident in the UK and working in the NHS.

 

“Any fanciful rhetoric that Brexit will have no effect on the NHS staffing and recruitment in the future, and that UK students dreaming of becoming a medical professional will simply make up the shortfall, is just unrealistic.

 

“This is particularly so in light of recent actions such as axing bursaries for student nurses.

 

“It is critical to public health that current EU workers do not seek jobs elsewhere, as a result of their doing so could mean shortages could reach catastrophic proportions.

 

“The Trust must do everything it can to ensure their whole NHS workforce is able to feel secure, as it’s the only way they will be able to ensure they can deliver high-quality care we all desire for ourselves and family’s going forward.”

 

Worthing doctor Birgit Woolley, who is originally from Germany, is among 42 per cent of GPs surveyed by the British Medical Association (BMA) who said they were thinking of quitting the UK.

 

BMA research suggests four in 10 European doctors are considering leaving Britain.

 

The BMA warned it could spell “disaster” as the NHS was already facing “crippling staff shortages”.

 

About 10,000 doctors who work in the NHS – 6.6 per cent of the UK medical workforce – qualified in Europe.

 

The doctors’ union polled 1,193 doctors from the European Economic Area (EEA) who are working in the UK.

 

They told researchers they felt “less committed” to working in the UK following the referendum.

 

They also felt less appreciated by the Government following the result.

 

Nationally, the Labour Party says one in ten NHS doctors faces uncertain future in the UK under the government’s plans for Brexit.