13 July 2016

We are aware that Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is currently holding a consultation on their policy on access to gluten-free food on prescription. We are contacting you to make sure you have the chance to respond.

The consultation

Basildon and Brentwood CCG currently follow National Prescribing Guidelines on amounts and prescribe up to 18 units (depending on age and gender) of gluten-free bread, pasta, flour, breakfast cereals, oats, pizza bases and crackers. However, the CCG is now proposing to stop prescribing gluten-free foods for adults over 18 years, with the exception of pregnant women.  The CCG is asking local people to share their views. 

Coeliac UK communication with the CCG

We are extremely concerned by the proposal and will be submitting a formal response to the consultation in support of continuing access to gluten-free food on prescription. Our arguments will focus on the importance of gluten-free staples on prescription to support management and adherence to the gluten-free diet in view of cost and availability issues. Research shows that gluten-free staple foods are not readily available to purchase in budget supermarkets and convenience stores and that gluten-free staple foods are 3-4 times more expensive than gluten containing equivalents.  We will also be asking local healthcare professionals for their support.

Have your say

The consultation is open until 12 September and we would encourage you to respond to the consultation to make sure your voice is heard.  The survey can be accessed online at:

www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Fit-for-the-Future-SRP

If you are unable to complete the survey online, you can contact the CCG to share your views by email, by calling (01268 594350) or by writing to Fit for the Future, NHS Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group, Phoenix Place, Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, SS14 3HG.

In addition to the survey, the following public meetings will be taking place, which you can attend to share your views:

• Pitsea: Tuesday 19th July, 6pm-8pm at Pitsea Leisure Centre, Northlands Pavement, Pitsea Centre, Basildon SS13 3DU
• Basildon: Wednesday 27th July, 6pm - 8pm at Holiday Inn, Festival Leisure Park, Basildon SS14 3DG
• Brentwood: Thursday 28th July, 6pm-8pm at Brentwood Community Hospital, Crescent Drive, Brentwood CM15 8DR
• Wickford: Friday 12th August, 10am-12 noon at Wickford Health Centre, Market Road, Wickford SS12 0AG
• Billericay: Friday 26th August, 1pm-3pm at Emmanuel Church Hall, Laindon Road, Billericay CM12 9LD
• Basildon: CCG Annual General Meeting: Thursday 8th September, 4pm-8pm at St. George's Suite, The Basildon Centre, St. Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL

We will provide updates as the situation progresses through direct mailings, Crossed Grain magazine and on our website. For more information about getting involved with our prescriptions campaign, visit our prescriptions campaign page.