The NHS plan to cancel blood donations in Dover for an eight-week period as the UK leaves the EU has been overruled by the Department of Health.
The suspension of donations was to start two weeks before Brexit day on March 29 and continue for six weeks after.
But the plan was slapped down within hours by Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s department, which said it did not agree with the proposed course of action.
Mike Stredder, director of blood donation for the NHS, said: “In the event of issues at Calais and other freight ports, Operation Stack may be put in place by Highways England and the Kent Police.
“This could lead to significant traffic in Kent and may prevent donation teams from reaching venues in the area or a donation leaving.
“We’re grateful to all our lifesaving blood donors and we look forward to seeing them at their next donation.”
The NHS said only six sessions will be cancelled, and replacement appointments will be arranged. They added the decision will not affect blood stocks or their ability to deliver necessary blood to hospitals.
The news first came about when the NHS blood services Twitter responded to a question about why someones partner’s blood donation appointment had been cancelled.
Virendra Sharma MP, who supports the pro-EU Best for Britain campaign said: “It is an absolute disgrace that the Government’s no deal contingency planning is interrupting life-saving blood donations.
“The government’s reckless behaviour could cost lives. The prime minister must put a stop to this madness and rule out a disastrous no deal immediately.”
There is expected to be significant travel chaos around Dover if the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal as new import checks will have to be introduced, creating the potential for significant delays.
But in a statement issued hours after Stredder’s announcement, the Department of Health and Social Care insisted that donation sessions will continue uninterrupted.
“The department does not agree with this course of action,” a spokesman said. “We’ve discussed this issue with NHSBT and confirmed blood donations will continue as normal.
“We’re grateful to all life-saving blood donors who make an important contribution.”
