19 October 2016

We’re aware that NHS Blackburn and Darwen and NHS East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are both reviewing their policy on access to all gluten-free food on prescription. We have written to Members in the area and are spreading the word online to ensure you have the chance to respond and make your voice heard.

Both CCGs currently follow National Prescribing Guidelines, prescribing up to 18 units (depending on age and gender) of gluten-free staple foods. However, they are now reviewing their policy on gluten-free prescribing and are both proposing to remove access to all gluten-free foods on prescription.

What have we been doing to help?

We are extremely concerned by the proposal and will be submitting a formal response to support continuing access to gluten-free food on prescription. Our arguments will emphasise the importance of gluten-free staples on prescription to support management and adherence to the gluten-free diet, as well as the difficulties posed by cost and availability issues. Research shows that gluten-free staple foods are not easily available to purchase in budget supermarkets and convenience stores, and that gluten-free staple foods are a staggering 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 11 November – make sure your voice is heard and respond now. The survey can be accessed online at:

www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/gfconsultation

Alternatively, you can request a hard copy of the consultation document by emailing or calling the CCG (01282 644627).

We would also encourage you to write to your local MP, either using the sample letter available on our website, or your own letter explaining how the proposed changes would affect you.

Get involved

As part of our work in opposing prescription cuts, we are looking for people affected to act as case studies in the media. This will help us to engage the media and show the real impact of this policy change on people with coeliac disease. To become a case study or to find out more, please call us on 0333 332 2033. For more information about our prescriptions campaign, please visit www.coeliac.org.uk/prescriptioncampaign.