13 July 2016

We are aware that Bradford Districts and Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are currently holding a consultation on their policy on access to gluten-free food on prescription.

The consultation

The CCGs in Bradford currently follow National Prescribing Guidelines on amounts and prescribe up to 18 units (depending on age and gender) of gluten-free bread, pasta, flour, and crackers. However, the CCG is now proposing to restrict or stop prescribing gluten-free foods. The CCG is asking local people to share their views on the prescribing of gluten-free food. 

Coeliac UK communication with the CCG

We are extremely concerned by the proposal to stop or restrict the prescribing of gluten-free food 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 30 September and we would encourage you to respond to the consultation to make sure your voice is heard. The survey can be accessed online and we are also aware that local GP surgeries in Bradford have been asked to provide patients with hard copies of the consultation over the coming weeks.

In addition to the survey, there are three drop in sessions:

• Tuesday 9 August, 3pm to 4.30pm, Windhill Community Centre, Church Street, Shipley, BD18 2NR
• Tuesday 23 August, 6.30pm to 8pm, at Frizinghall Community Centre, Midland Road, Bradford, BD9 4HX
• Wednesday 7 September, 3pm to 4.30pm, at Park Lane Centre, Bradford, BD5 0LN

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.