Professor Márta Korbonits, Professor of Endocrinology at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Scientific Programme Chair of the European Society of Endocrinology, and representative of BioMed Alliance, will be discussing the effects of Brexit on the European Reference Networks (ERNs), in Westminster, Monday 9 July.
ERNs facilitate cross-border discussions on rare diseases or complex cases amongst clinicians and researchers. This briefing to the UK Parliament, led by Genetic Alliance UK, is aimed at producing a statement that outlines the detrimental effects that Brexit could have on patient care if negotiations do not provide for the NHS to continue to be part of ERNs. Professor Korbonits and other eminent speakers will highlight to Members of the Parliament that continued collaboration between UK and the EU-27 is paramount to continue advancing rare disease research and patient care.
“The number of patients affected by a rare disease is often too small to be studied in isolation in any-one country, so research collaboration is critical to provide the best care for patients. If the NHS stops taking part in ERNs we risk patient disadvantage in the UK and also in Europe”, says Professor Korbonits, who is also the Head of Science Workpackage on the Endo-ERN.
The statement produced after the briefing will serve to lobby the UK Government and the European Commission during Brexit negotiations.