13 February 2013

Coeliac UK believes cutting support for patients will see patients with more severe health complications, at a greater cost to the NHS.

We have issued a comment in response to an article published today (14 February) in Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin highlighting its concern that the role of support for those with coeliac disease is being questioned and reviewed without a full understanding on why there is currently a need to keep prescription for gluten-free staple foods.

There is already some coverage on websites, here are a few links:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21449368

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2278351/End-gluten-free-handouts-Doctors-say-prescriptions-stuck-time-warp-money-better-spent-medication-seriously-ill.html

http://www.webmd.boots.com/digestive-disorders/news/20130214/gluten-free-foods-nhs