9 May 2018

NHS Telford and Wrekin clinical commissioning group (CCG) are proposing to stop the routine prescribing of gluten free foods.

The CCG are asking local people for their views and we want to make sure you have the chance to respond, and to let you know what we are doing to campaign against restrictions.

National consultation on gluten free prescribing

You may be aware that gluten free prescribing has been reviewed at a national level by the Department of Health and Social Care. The Department announced their decision in February to retain access to gluten free bread and flour mixes on prescription. Telford and Wrekin CCG are proposing to restrict further than the national recommendations.

We believe that the national recommendations to prescribe gluten free bread and flour mixes should be followed and are concerned by the decision to hold a local consultation when a national position has only recently been agreed.

Coeliac UK communication with the CCG

We 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 higher cost and limited availability. 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 consultation closes on Friday 25 May and you can complete the online survey at: https://tinyurl.com/GlufreeEngApril2018

If you would like to request a hard copy of the survey, or if you would prefer to share your view over the phone, please call the CCG on 01952 580478. You can also send comments by email to telford.gfprescribing@nhs.net.  

We would also encourage you to write to your local MP, we have a sample letter which you can use (www.coeliac.org.uk/prescriptioncampaign), or please feel free to write your own letter explaining how the proposed changes would affect you.

As part of our work in opposing prescription cuts, we are looking for people affected by these changes 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.