Bucks’ NHS has agreed to pay the application fees for EU staff who want to stay living in the country after Brexit.

The new EU settlement scheme – which is currently being phased in until March 2019 – will provide European nationals with the same rights and access to services following Brexit.

Settled status will also mean there is no time limit on how long EU citizens, who have been living in the country for five years, can remain in the UK.

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT) bosses have praised EU staff for their “delivery of safe and compassionate care” to patients.

The trust has also set up employment workshops with specialist employment solicitors to explain the settled status scheme and answer any questions staff may have.

Chief executive of BHT, Neil Macdonald, said: “EU staff form a vital part of our workforce - more than 8% of staff working for our Trust are EU nationals.

“We have successfully recruited from the EU for a number of years and have close links with universities in Portugal.

“A significant number of our EU colleagues are nursing assistant practitioners, some of whom are preparing to take English exams to gain Nursing and Midwifery Council registration.

“Whatever happens with regards to Brexit, we want all EU nationals currently working at BHT to stay with us and the Trust's decision to cover the costs of the application fee for settled status is a symbol of our commitment to our valued colleagues.

“The contribution of colleagues from around the world is one of the great strengths of the NHS and something we’re very proud of at BHT.”