Border Patients at Risk: PatientsCann Raises Concerns with UK & Ireland
PatientsCann UK has raised urgent concerns with both the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI) governments over the risks faced by patients prescribed medicines that are classified as Schedule 1 Controlled Drugs in one jurisdiction but legally prescribed in the other. At present, a prescription issued in the UK, ROI or Crown Dependencies cannot be dispensed across the border if the medicine is considered Schedule 1. More critically, patients cannot lawfully carry these prescribed medicines across the border, even if the crossing is unavoidable in order to travel within their own country. This issue disproportionately affects border communities, where travel across the border is not optional but a daily necessity. For patients in these communities, this creates an impossible situation: return home with their prescribed treatment and risk criminalisation, or forego essential medication. Couriers and healthcare professionals delivering medicines face the same challenge. Practical problems and risks The current situation gives rise to multiple, connected harms: Beyond individual harm, the problem creates wider public-health and administrative issues: increased emergency presentations, greater strain on social care and inequitable access to treatment depending on postcode. What PatientsCann UK is asking for PatientsCann UK has written to the governments of the UK and the Republic of Ireland requesting urgent clarification and guidance, including: The Northern Ireland Office has confirmed that officials are reviewing our letter. PatientsCann UK welcomes this development and will continue to press for clear, rapid action to protect patients who rely on any prescribed medicine. Sal Aziz, Director of PatientsCann UK, said: “Patients should never have to choose between taking their prescribed medicine and risking criminalisation. In practice this is what border communities on the island of Ireland face today. Governments must issue clear operational guidance and protections, urgently, so patients can continue to receive care without fear.” What happens next PatientsCann UK will publish updates as official responses are received. In the meantime, anyone affected by this issue is encouraged to contact PatientsCann UK so we can collate evidence and ensure our representations fully reflect the scale and immediacy of the problem. Please email info@patientscann.org.uk or send us a message on socials (Instagram | X).