Loss of access to isotopes ‘critical’, BMA warns

Medical research and patient care could be at risk if the UK pulls out of the EU nuclear agency, the BMA has warned.

Michael Rees, BMA medical academic staff committee co-chair, has outlined the potential risks diagnostics and cancer treatments should the UK, as a result of Brexit, decide to leave the Euratom agency.

In a letter to The Times, Rees warned that retaining reliable access to radioactive isotopes was ‘critical’ to providing treatment and continuing research.

Euratom is responsible for organising nuclear research at a pan-European level as well as controlling the supply and export of nuclear material across the continent.

Data released by NHS England revealed that there were half a million scans performed in England in 2016=17 that relied on imported radioisotopes.

The Royal College of Radiologists and the British Nuclear Medicine Society have raised concerns about the UK leaving Euratom, calling on the government to give assurances that future access to radioactive material crucial to healthcare will be maintained.

Rees said: “Radioactive isotopes play a vital role in diagnosing and treating cancer in the UK. While we can purchase isotopes from a small number of countries outside Euratom the supply will be less reliable and more costly.

“Because of how these isotopes decay, having a supply close to the point of use is critical for medical investigation and treatment.

“Euratom also underpins UK research and radiation safety in the nuclear industry. International cooperation and free movement of researchers is critical.

“Successive governments have recognised this, but we risk sacrificing this competitive advantage, which is to the benefit of patients.”