QUESTIONS have been raised about whether there will be shortage of medication in Inverclyde if a no deal Brexit goes ahead.

Speaking at a meeting of the local authority's health and social care committee, SNP councillor John Crowther sought reassurances that medication would still be readily available in the event of a no-deal Brexit on October 31.

The House of Commons has this week passed legislation which aims to block a no deal departure from the EU.

But there is still uncertainty, with no sign of any agreement being reached between the UK and EU as the clock ticks down to the October 31 deadline.

Cllr Crowther said: "In relation to people who rely on regular medication, are we happy we will not suffer any shortages in the months to come?

Louise Long, corporate director of the Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership, gave Mr Crowther reassurances that there is an extensive NHS Brexit plan in place.

She indicated that the council was also taking part in contingency planning.

Ms Long said: "We have a Brexit plan in place and have had reassurances from the health board and the government.

"Until we exit, we won't know.

"We are having further meetings in relation to Brexit."

Health leaders have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson issuing new warnings on the impact of any no-deal Brexit.

In a letter to the prime minister, the heads of 17 royal colleges and health charities across the UK said that clinicians are 'unable to reassure patients' their health and care will not be affected.

They added that they had 'significant concerns about shortages of medical supplies'.

The UK Government has recently ramped up spending on preparation for no deal and has said it is working with the health sector on 'robust preparations'.