22 November 2016

We’re very disappointed to announce that following consultation, NHS Bradford City and NHS Bradford District clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have decided to remove access to gluten-free food on prescription from 1 December.

Whilst the CCGs have made this decision, we would like to stress that the final choice about what to prescribe lies with your GP. So we’d encourage you to have a discussion with them about gluten-free food on prescription if you’re concerned about the impact the policy change may have on you.

We will be asking the CCG to develop criteria for prescribing gluten-free foods for vulnerable people and will be highlighting the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) quality standard on coeliac disease which was 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 don’t stock staple gluten-free foods. We’re very concerned that the measures taken by the CCGs to save money will affect people’s ability to stick to the gluten-free diet and in turn increase the likelihood of long term complications of coeliac disease such as osteoporosis, which will cost the NHS more in the long run.

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

• Contact the local HealthWatch by emailing (info@healthwatchbradford.co.uk), calling on 01535 665258 or writing to Healthwatch Bradford, Central Hall, Alice Street, Keighley, West Yorks BD21 3JD
• Contact Bradford CCG by emailing (BradfordCCGsPatientSupport@bradford.nhs.uk) or write to: Patient support manager, NHS Bradford City and NHS Bradford Districts CCGs, Douglas Mill, Bowling Old Lane, Bradford BD5 7JR.
• Write to your local MP, either using the sample letter on our website  or 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

Make your voice heard

As part of our work in opposing prescription cuts, we are looking for the people affected 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 complete our case study form.

As the situation progresses, we will update our Members through direct mailings, Crossed Grain magazine and on our website.