SCOTLAND’S leading doctors are warning that alarm bells should be ringing about looming staff shortages in the NHS as four in 10 European medics are considering leaving following Brexit.

A British Medical Association (BMA) survey has found 42 per cent are thinking of quitting the UK, with a further quarter (23 per cent) still unsure.

Now the BMA in Scotland has warned uncertainty faced by European doctors is “deeply damaging”.

The doctors’ union polled 1,193 doctors from the European Economic Area and found they feel “significantly less committed” to working in the UK following the EU referendum.

BMA Scotland chairman Dr Peter Bennie said: “This survey should set alarm bells ringing.

“It shows just how much damage is being done by the needless and continuing uncertainty over the future status of European doctors who already work in our NHS.

“These are our colleagues and our friends and the ongoing uncertainty they face is deeply damaging.”

Scotland’s Health Secretary Shona Robison said the findings are “deeply concerning”.

She added: “The free movement of workers across Europe has made a huge contribution to NHS Scotland’s reputation for world- leading care.”