16 October 2017

We are very disappointed to tell you that Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and East and North Hertfordshire CCG have made the decision to remove access to gluten free food on prescription. The CCGs have confirmed that GPs retain their right to clinical discretion to prescribe outside of this policy where there is a need, for example, for those with learning difficulties or where there are welfare concerns. Therefore, if you are concerned that this policy change is having an impact on your ability to manage your gluten free diet and your coeliac disease, you should see your GP for advice.

The CCGs have stated that the policy change will be implemented over the coming weeks and months. When we are informed of a specific implementation date we will provide further information on our website.

We understand the importance of having access to gluten free food on prescription, particularly for people on low incomes and those only able to shop in small convenience stores that do not stock staple gluten free foods. We are concerned that the measures taken by the CCGs to save money will affect the ability of patients with coeliac disease to stick to the gluten free diet and that this will result in an increase in the likelihood of complications of coeliac disease. As well as the individual suffering this may cause, it will also cost the NHS more in the long term.

To respond to your local CCG’s decision to withdraw prescriptions:
•    Contact Healthwatch Hertfordshire by emailing (info@healthwatchhertfordshire.co.uk), calling 01707 275978 or writing to Healthwatch Hertfordshire, 1 Silver Court, Watchmead, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 1LT
•    Contact Herts Valley CCG by emailing (enquiries.hvccg@nhs.net), writing to NHS Herts Valley CCG, Hemel One, Boundary Way, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 7YU, or calling on 01442 898 888
•    Contact East and North Hertfordshire CCG by emailing (Communications@enhertsccg.nhs.uk), writing to East and North Hertfordshire CCG, Charter House, Parkway, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6JL, or calling on 01707 685 000
•    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 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.

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.