With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit at an all time high, in spite of its looming deadline, many health practitioners may be tempted to buy medical equipment and drugs online to ensure their availability after the UK presumably still exits from the European Union, that’s according to a letter that has been circulated to GPs.

However, the letter, issued by NHS England, CCGs and health secretary Matt Hancock warned that any over ordering would be ‘investigated and followed up’, according to Pulse Today. The letter also warned about prescribing for patients for longer durations due to Brexit concerns was also still not necessary.

This warning was already issued in August this year, however, MP Hancock is thought to have believed it necessary to reiterate after Prime Minister Theresa May delayed a vote on her Brexit plan in the House of Commons, after it was made clear it would be voted down.

The letter outlined “UK health and social care providers – including hospitals, care homes, GPs and community pharmacies – should not stockpile additional medicines beyond their business as usual stock levels”, describing it as unnecessary and potentially leading to shortages which could put other patients at risk.

The letter made assurances that Public Health England is making provisions for continuity of supply for core, centrally distributed vaccines and medicines, while also encouraging GPs to have staff from EU countries to register for the new ‘settlement scheme’.

Some critics say that the letter echoes the lack of autonomy that doctor’s are permitted, especially in comparison to the likes of dentists, who are able to make decisions between themselves and patients alone.