Alliance Party Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has expressed her concerns over a shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Northern Ireland. There is a national shortage of HRT, which is used to help women control difficult menopausal symptoms.

“Whilst it is welcome that we are seeing more women seeking help with the menopause, it is concerning that officials believe this shortage is in part a result of Brexit,” said the South Belfast MLA.

“This will be incredibly difficult for those women who rely on HRT to relieve their menopausal symptoms. If there are problems in the supply chain, then the Health Minister needs to do everything he can to ensure that alternatives are found because women are having to source their prescriptions elsewhere.

“I hope that we are not seeing the beginning of a range of medicine shortages directly caused by Brexit. The UK government needs to act in good faith with the EU and find practical solutions to issues, including around the supply of medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.”