3 February 2017

We are aware that NHS Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are reviewing their policy on access to gluten free food on prescription and are asking local people for their views. We are contacting you to make sure you have the chance to respond.

The CCG currently follows the National Prescribing Guidelines and prescribe up to 18 units (depending on age and gender) of gluten free staple foods. However, the CCG is now reviewing their policy and is proposing to remove access to gluten free foods on prescription.

Coeliac UK communication with the CCG

We are concerned by the proposal and will be submitting a formal response in support of continuing access to gluten free food on prescription. Our arguments will focus on the importance of gluten free staples on prescription to support management and adherence to the gluten free diet in view of cost and availability issues. Research shows that gluten free staple foods are not readily available to purchase in budget supermarkets and convenience stores and that gluten free staple foods are 3-4 times more expensive than gluten containing equivalents. We will also be asking local healthcare professionals for their support.

Have your say

The engagement period will run until 29 March 2017. You can engage through completing the online survey found at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/miltonkeynesccg

Alternatively, you can send the CCG an email to share your view (miltonkeynes.ccg@nhs.net) or call their Engagement and Consultation Team on 0121 611 0231.

The CCG is also holding two consultation events in which you can voice your opinion in person:

• Tuesday 14 March 2017, 6pm- 8pm at Christian Centre, Strudwick Drive, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, MK6 2TG
• Monday 20 March 2017, 1pm-3pm at Christian Centre, Strudwick Drive, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, MK6 2TG

You can register your interest for these by calling 0121 611 0231 or visiting: www.miltonkeynesccg.nhs.uk/clinical-priority

We would also encourage you to write to your local MP, we have a sample letter on our website which you can use, or please feel free to write your own letter explaining how the proposed changes would affect you.

Share your story 

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 would affect 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 provide updates as the situation progresses through direct mailings, Crossed Grain magazine and on our website.