SIR - A survey of EU doctors by the British Medical Association has found that more than four in ten are considering leaving the UK in light of the EU referendum result.

At a time when the NHS is struggling to cope with rising demand and growing staff shortages, this would be catastrophic for our health service and the quality of patient care that it is able to provide.

With a third of GP practices in the Yorkshire unable to fill vacancies in the past year and hospitals experiencing one of the worst winter on record, we cannot afford to lose any more doctors. But it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about losing the experience and expertise that these doctors bring to the health system which is invaluable for immediate and future patient care.

To ensure long-term stability for the NHS, the government must act now. If you don’t want to lose any of the valued and highly-skilled EU doctors that work in the UK, contact your local MP and urge them to call for Theresa May to grant permanent residence to all medical professionals and NHS staff working in the UK.

Dr Rajeev Gupta, BMA North West regional council chairman