18 January 2012

Today the Oxford Mail published an article reporting on the proposed removal of all gluten-free prescriptions in Oxfordshire, by the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire NHS cluster.

Coeliac UK is concerned the story does not accurately reflect the position of those worse affected by the move. Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Coeliac UK said: “We are very disappointed that the story did not explore the impact of those worse affected by the decision, namely the elderly, families on low incomes and patients with no means of transport.” She went on to say that Coeliac UK were in discussion with the Primary Care Trust responsible for the proposal and were hopeful of a positive resolution: “Coeliac UK strongly opposes the proposed removal of all gluten-free prescribing by the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire NHS Cluster for patients in the Oxfordshire area.”

Medical gastroenterology experts agree that access to gluten-free food on prescription plays an important role in the management of coeliac disease amongst patients. All evidence based clinical guidelines relevant to coeliac disease include the need to access prescriptions.

Gluten-free food is not as widely available as the NHS in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire suggests. Independent research shows that gluten-free food is only available in the bigger supermarkets and virtually absent in budget and convenience stores, What is more, gluten-free flours and breads can cost up to four times more than their gluten-containing counterparts which could result in a food bill which costs hundreds of pounds more than the average shopping allowance every year.

Gluten-free food on prescription is crucial to support people with coeliac disease, to maintain their health and avoid more serious complications associated with non adherence to the diet.

Coeliac UK have worked with various professional bodies and health committees to publish a toolkit advising health care professionals on ways in which to cut costs without restricting prescriptions.

You can read the article here 

For those who live in the Oxfordshire area it is important that you make your voice heard. Read more on things to consider in regard to the consultation here