2 December 2016

We are very disappointed to inform you that following a consultation on gluten-free prescribing, Basildon and Brentwood CCG has decided to remove access to gluten-free food on prescription for all adults from 1 December. The CCG will continue to prescribe gluten-free food according to the National Prescribing Guidelines for children under 18 and pregnant women.

Whilst the CCG has made this decision, we would like to stress that the final decision about what to prescribe lies with your GP. We would therefore encourage you to have a discussion with your GP about gluten-free food on prescription if you are concerned about the impact this may have on you.

We will be asking the CCG to develop criteria for prescribing gluten-free foods for vulnerable patients and will be highlighting the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) quality standard on coeliac disease which has been published in October this year.

We understand the importance of access to gluten-free products on prescription for people with coeliac disease, particularly those on low incomes or those only able to reach small convenience stores which do not stock staple gluten-free foods. We are concerned that the measures taken by the CCG to save money will affect people’s ability to stick to the gluten-free diet and in turn increase the likelihood of complications of coeliac disease such as osteoporosis, which will cost the NHS more in the long term.

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, calling on 01376 572829 or writing to Healthwatch Essex, RCCE House, Threshelfords Business Park, Inworth Road, Feering, Essex, CO5 9SE
• Contact Basildon and Brentwood CCG by emailing email bbccg.involvement@nhs.net, by calling (01268 594350) or by writing to NHS Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group, Phoenix Place, Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, SS14 3HG
• 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

As part of our work in opposing prescription cuts, we are looking for people affected by these prescription cuts to act as case studies. This will enable us to give examples to the media of how this policy change has affected people with coeliac disease. To become a case study or to find out more about interview opportunities please call us on 0333 332 2033.

We will continue to make strong representations to the CCG on the issue and will seek the support of clinicians in the area. We will be asking the CCG how the impact of the change on the long term health of people with coeliac disease will be monitored.

We will keep you informed about our campaigns and research and let you know about developments in gluten-free prescribing in Crossed Grain magazine, our electronic newsletters and on our website.