REPAIRS to essential hospital medical equipment could be put in jeopardy by a no-deal Brexit.

The warning was flagged in Great Western Hospital’s own Brexit risk assessments, obtained exclusively by the Swindon Advertiser.

MPs this week voted to block the UK leaving the European Union without a withdrawal agreement, but Theresa May warned the Commons the legal position remained a no-deal exit unless parliament backed an exit deal.

In one risk assessment, GWH’s head of procurement warned hospital executives: “There could be difficulties in manufacturers sustaining support (repair, parts and documentation) for devices, if we are not part of an agreement with the EU.”

NHS chiefs have contacted 400 of the most commonly used suppliers of medical devices to ensure they have contingency plans in place.

Last year, in a letter to medical suppliers, health secretary Matt Hancock said: “Ensuring the continued supply of medical devices and clinical consumables in any scenario is central to ensuring that patients can continue to receive the care they need.”

Separately, GWH has written to 30 other companies that supply medical devices and other clinical consumable items like gauze swabs.

Of 15 equipment suppliers, six are based in the European Union.

Two more, Arjo and GE Medical, are based in the UK but manufacturer the beds and couches and anaesthetic machines in EU countries Poland and Finland respectively.

Kevin McNamara, director of strategy and community services at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said, “The department of health and social care is leading national NHS preparations for a ‘no deal’ Brexit and a great deal of work has already taken place to plan for the impact of Brexit.

“The NHS is good at planning for difficult situations and all organisations have emergency and business continuity plans in place. As a trust we are closely following advice from the government on actions to be taken in advance of exit.”

The hospital said it had contacted EU-citizens on the staff roster, informing them of changes to the rules requiring non-UK nationals to pay for settled status.

The staff turnover rate for EU nationals was lower now than it was six-months-ago. Currently, it stands at almost 19 per cent compared to 23 per cent half a year ago.

GWH also stressed it was in a good position to react to any potential medicine shortages. as a result of the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal: “GWH has a robust process for managing the medicines supply line that is routinely used for stock shortages throughout the year.

“Shortages affecting availability of medicines are identified early and managed by a dedicated pharmacy procurement and stores team.”