A NO-deal Brexit would be “catastrophic” for Scotland’s health, doctors leaders claim.

In a new paper, the British Medical Association (BMA) says such an outcome would cause “real disruption” for the treatment of rare diseases as a result of losing membership of a dedicated European network.

It also predicts delays in cancer diagnosis and delay as access to radioisotopes through the EURATOM agency ends. There will also be a weakened ability to respond to pandemics, with staff shortages across the UK’s health services.

Dr Peter Bennie, chair of BMA Scotland said: “The BMA has spent a great deal of time pointing out the many areas that give doctors cause for concern with Brexit and its implications. Given the ongoing major uncertainty and the lack of any apparent progress on these issues, it has become clear to the BMA that the risks of Brexit for the nation’s health are sharply increasing.

“Doctors are increasingly alarmed by the ongoing failure to secure the kind of deal which will work to the benefit of patients, the medical workforce and health services in Scotland, across the UK and Europe.

“This new paper on a no-deal Brexit describes the consequences of such a scenario as ‘catastrophic’. This isn’t a warning we make lightly.”

Arguing for a public vote on the withdrawal agreement, he went on: “A no-deal Brexit would pose risks to supply and regulation of medicines. It would threaten vital health research. It could cut off at source the vital numbers of doctors coming to work in our NHS and bolster the care it provides – at a time when our workforce is already pushed the limit.

“It is only right that, with the chances of a no-deal Brexit increasing the closer the we get to the deadline for a deal, we as doctors point out exactly what that would mean for patients and care in Scotland.

“That is why we believe the public need to be given the final say on plans for Brexit – in particular if the option we are faced with is a hugely damaging, no-deal Brexit.”

Labour health spokesman Anas Sarwar called on the Tories to “take Britain back from the cliff edge and start working towards a deal that protects our country”.