In light of the current issues at UK border crossings, NHS Supply Chain would like to reassure its customers that they continue to work closely with colleagues from DHSC and NHS England.

We are monitoring the situation and currently, there are no disruptions at the Kent border crossing. We will update our customers should the situation change.

Customers are reminded to not build local stockpiles as this will only have an adverse impact on supply chain resilience across the NHS. Customers should continue to follow the guidance that has been issued centrally.

NHS Supply Chain would like to advise that:

• There are sufficient stock levels based on customer normal levels of demand for this time of year
• Current demand is circa 20% below the same period last year
• Inbound supplies are still being permitted from Europe to the UK, with ferries continuing to operate.

NHS Supply Chain continues to review the situation in line with Government guidance.

Perishable Foods Statement from Defra

Defra confirms the UK has a highly resilient food supply chain and are continuing to work with the food industry to ensure people across the country have the food and supplies they need.

The majority of food does not come into the UK from the Short Straits and as we have seen this year, the UK has a large diverse and highly resilient food supply chain – which has coped well.

The current disruption at Dover is a temporary effect of the Short Straits disruption and expect supply chains to recover quickly now the UK-French border is open.