22 April 2016

We have been made aware that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is holding a consultation which includes a proposal on the removal of gluten-free food on prescription. We believe that removing prescriptions for people with coeliac disease will leave vulnerable patients without support, and affect their ability to stick to the gluten-free diet.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG is currently consulting with local patients and carers about their views on whether to continue to supply any gluten-free foods in the area, and we would recommend all those who may be affected to complete the questionnaire.

The consultation runs until 24 May. We would encourage you to respond to the consultation to ensure your views are heard.

The survey can be accessed online, if you are unable to complete the survey online, you can contact the CCG on 01223 725304 to request a copy of the consultation document. The survey can be found on page 14. You can then post the consultation to: Freepost Plus RSCR-GSGK-XSHK, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG, Lockton House, Clarendon Road, Cambridge, CB2 8FH

The CCG is also holding a number of public meetings during the consultation process to give people the opportunity to ask questions. Details of the sessions are below;

• 9 May 2016, 10.30am to 12 noon, Huntingdon Library, Huntingdon
• 9 May 2016, 2pm to 3.30pm, Manor Leisure Centre, Whittlesey
• 10 May 2016, 10.30am to 12 noon, Wisbech Library, Wisbech
• 11 May 2016, 10.00am to 11.30am, Ely Cathedral Centre, Ely
• 13 May 2016, 1.30pm to 3.00pm, The Priory, St Neots
• 19 May 2016, 10.30am to 12 noon, Cambridge Central Library, Cambridge
• 20 May 2016, 1.30pm to 3.00pm, The Fleet, Peterborough
• 23 May 2016, 10.00am to 11.30am, Market Hill Rooms, Royston

If you can attend one of these sessions, we would encourage you to do so your voice can be heard.

We will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses on our website, in Crossed Grain magazine and by contacting Members directly. To find out more information, please visit our prescriptions campaign page.