More than 90 organisations have backed plans for a review of the effect Brexit will have on social care
Almost 100 third sector groups have backed calls for a probe into the effect Brexit will have on health and social care.
Brendan O’Hara MP introduced a private member’s bill calling for an independent review of Brexit’s impact on health and social care at the House of Commons in November.
This was in response to concerns raised by the third sector.
Charities across the UK fear that potential changes in rules, as a result of Brexit and related to the EU workforce, medicines research and funding could affect the provision of support and services to disabled people, people living with long term conditions, children and young people and unpaid carers.
So far, more than 90 organisations have backed the calls for an independent assessment including the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland and Camphill Scotland. The bill has also gained cross-party support from the Liberal Democrats, Labour, the Greens and Plaid Cymru.
The European Union Withdrawal (Evaluation of Effects on Health and Social Care Sectors) bill was introduced to the chamber by the SNP member for Argyll and Bute, and is due to reach the second reading stage on 25 January.
Those behind the bill are keen to recruit more organisations who are in support of the plans, to display the importance the review has to the health and social care sector.
Dr Neil Henery, director of Camphill Scotland, said: "Brexit could have a huge impact upon the Camphill communities in Scotland. Workers from other European nations make up around 40% of our total workforce. They play key roles in the provision of care, support and education to people with learning disabilities and other support needs.
“European workers also make a significant contribution to the provision of health and care services more generally across the UK.
“Brendan O'Hara's private member's bill, by ensuring that there is an independent evaluation of the impact of Brexit on the health and social care sectors, will mean that planning and decision making post Brexit is informed by robust evidence and best practice"
Organisations are also being encouraged to call for their local MPs to support the bill. A template letter and more information is available on the Camphill Scotland website.
