22 April 2016

Last August, Nottingham North and East CCG, Nottingham West CCG and Rushcliffe CCG held a joint consultation on gluten-free food on prescription and they have now reached a decision.

During the consultation, local people were asked to give their opinions about several options:

• stop all prescribing of gluten-free foods
• limit to 8 units of bread and/or flour each month
• limit the products available to 4 units of flour only 
• other

The decision

We have received confirmation that the CCGs have made the decision to restrict prescribing to four units a month from a choice of long life bread and flour. We are disappointed to see that the CCG has introduced this policy despite the findings from the consultation being in favour of greater support than that offered.

Help us oppose the decision

If you would like to oppose the prescription cuts, there are several things that you can do:

• contact the local HealthWatch by emailing, calling on 0115 963 5179 or writing to HealthWatch Nottinghamshire, Byron Business Centre, Duke Street, Hucknall, Nottingham, NG15 7HP
• contact the Nottingham North and East CCG Patient Experience Team by emailing, or calling on 0800 028 3693
• 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 
• write to the Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board, County Hall, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7QP or email. We have a sample letter on our website
• speak with your local GP about your individual case
• watch out for more information on next campaign steps on our website.

We will be responding to the CCG and will provide updates as the situation progresses through Crossed Grain magazine, our electronic newsletters and on our website. For more information, visit our prescriptions campaign page.