10 October 2017

We are very disappointed to tell you that Bexley CCG has made the decision to remove access to gluten free food on prescription.

We are extremely concerned about the impact this will have on patients with coeliac disease in the region and their ability to stick with the diet, particularly those on low incomes or with mobility issues. 

The CCG has confirmed that GPs can use their clinical discretion to prescribe outside of these guidelines. So if you are concerned that this change will impact on your ability to manage your gluten free diet and your coeliac disease, you should see your GP for advice.

You can get involved with our campaign to protect prescription services by:

• Contacting Healthwatch Bexley by emailing (info@healthwatchbexley.co.uk), calling 0208 304 9344 or writing to Healthwatch Bexley, Milton House, 240a Broadway, Bexleyheath, DA6 8AS
• Contacting Bexley CCG by emailing (bexccg.contactus@nhs.net), writing to NHS Bexley Clinical Commissioning Group, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Second floor west, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7AT, or calling on 0800 328 9712
• Writing 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 
• Speaking with your local GP about your individual case
• Watching out for more information on next campaign steps particularly on our website.

Are you affected by the cuts and wish to tell your story?

As part of our work, we are looking for people affected by prescribing 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. If you would be interested in sharing your thoughts and experiences, please complete our case study form and one of the team from Coeliac UK will be in contact to discuss further.