HOSPITAL bosses in east Cheshire say that a possible ‘no-deal’ Brexit poses little risk of disruption to their supplies.

With the clock ticking down until Britain leaves the European Union on March 29, 2019, the Government is yet to secure a deal for leaving the continental bloc.

But after assessing the impact that a ‘no-deal’ Brexit could have on supplies and services, East Cheshire NHS Trust – which runs hospitals in Macclesfield, Knutsford and Congleton – says the scenario poses a low risk.

In a report to directors, John Wilbraham, chief executive, said: “Trusts have been asked to assess any impact on supplies and service that may arise following Brexit.

“The team has reviewed some 503 suppliers with a gross value of £11.9 million per annum and has risk-assessed – taking into account issues such as if the supplier is UK based, if it imports from the EU and does the contract involve EU regulation.

“Of the 503 suppliers only three are considered to pose a high risk. Two supply pathology services and one provides dental equipment maintenance.”

National assessments are also taking place on supplies for products such as medicines, Mr Wilbraham added.

The trust’s assessment was carried out by Mark Ogden, director of finance, who will continue to work with regulators and the Government in the months leading up to Britain’s departure from the EU.

A spokesman at the trust added: “The assessment was carried out in line with methodology from the Department of Health and Social Care as part of preparations designed to guard against the potential of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.

“Only three suppliers out of 503 were estimated to pose a high risk in the event of a no-deal scenario and the trust is confident that these risks can be mitigated if necessary.”