29 September 2016

In March, we notified Members about a joint consultation being held by Castle Point and Rochford clinical commissioning group (CCG) and Southend CCG.

We have received confirmation that Castle Point and Rochford (CCG) have made the decision to continue to prescribe gluten-free staple foods but will reduce the amounts of gluten-free food recommended in National Prescribing Guidelines by 50%. This decision was put in place from July 2016. We have also been made aware that the CCG plan to review their policy in July 2017, when they are proposing to stop gluten-free food on prescription. We understand that the CCG is sending letters to all people with coeliac disease in the Castle Point and Rochford area, highlighting the changes so you may already have received notification from the CCG. If you are unclear on the amounts you can receive on prescription, speak with your local GP.

After the consultation, Southend CCG made the decision to stop prescribing gluten-free food with immediate effect in June. We contacted all Members in the Southend area following this decision. We have also responded to the CCG and are seeking the support of clinicians in the area.

Although we are pleased that Castle Point and Rochford CCG is currently continuing provision of gluten-free food, we are very concerned by the CCGs proposal to stop gluten-free food on prescription from next year.

We submitted a formal response to the CCG in support of continued support for people with coeliac disease in March and attended the Castle Point and Rochford CCG Governing Body meeting on 30 June 2016.

If you would like to oppose the prescription cuts, there are several things that you can do:

• contact the local HealthWatch by emailing enquiries@healthwatchessex.org.uk, writing to Healthwatch Essex, RCCE House, Threshelfords Business Park, Inworth Road, Feering, Essex, CO5 9SE or calling on 01376 572829
• contact Castle Point and Rochford CCG by emailing cpr.ccg@nhs.net writing to NHS Castle Point and Rochford Clinical Commissioning Group, Pearl House, 12 Castle Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7QF or calling on 01268 464508.
• write to your local MP, we have a sample letter which you can use, or please feel free to write your own letter explaining how the changes will affect you
• speak with your local GP about your individual case
• watch out for more information on next campaign steps particularly on our website.

For more information about getting involved with our prescriptions campaign, visit our prescriptions campaign page.