The U.K. Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) said the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that as of 21 October, all imported radioisotopes destined for U.K. hospitals should be entering the U.K. by air.
In an update on its website, the RCR noted that the DHSC worked closely over the summer with suppliers to map radioisotope imports and ensure that these products could be flown into the U.K. The DHSC has been running operational testing at East Midlands Airport to ensure smooth logistics as radioisotopes move from plane to lorry transport, and officials have assured the RCR that these tests have been completed successfully.
Furthermore, the RCR said it has also been assured that suppliers have adjusted for the need for more transport driver capacity coming out of the airport.
"It is reassuring that government has recently been working closely and successfully with suppliers to implement contingency operations in the run-up to Brexit," the RCR said.
The RCR also noted that supplier representatives should be in ongoing communication with their hospital and radiopharmacy clients as events move forward. The college urged any clinicians with concerns about specific products and shipments to contact their providers.
