27 May 2016

Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) currently restrict the prescribing of gluten-free staple foods to eight units of bread, pasta or flour mix each month.  The CCG is now in the process of reviewing its policy for prescribing gluten-free food and is proposing to withdraw prescribing gluten-free food for adults. As part of the review, in October last year Bury CCG held a patient consultation and we wrote to all Members in the area to make sure that they had the chance to respond. 

Coeliac UK has put forward the case for continuation of gluten-free food on prescription during a teleconference with the Chair of Bury CCG and the prescribing lead and has also sent several letters to the CCG in support of gluten-free food on prescription as part of the consultation process.  We have also met with local dietitians.

The proposal to withdraw gluten-free food on prescription for adults was discussed at the last two CCG board meetings. At both meetings the decision has been deferred due to concerns that further assurance around patient education and information is required and to ensure that their patient care was in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. We will continue to provide updates as the situation in Bury progresses through Crossed Grain magazine, our electronic newsletter and on our website.

For more information about our prescriptions campaign and how to make your voice heard, visit our prescriptions campaign page.