17 March 2011

Prescription restrictions in Surrey, Sussex and Kent are covered by ITV Meridian South East

Coeliac UK launched a media campaign on Monday 14 March to highlight the issue of prescription restrictions and on Wednesday 16 March ITV Meridian featured the story on their evening news. Watch the clip below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j9StwtIoaHs

Gluten-free prescribing is a hot topic at Coeliac UK, with restrictions being seen across the UK. Over the past eight months we have been in contact with over 60 Primary Care Trusts and Health Boards. In the majority of cases it is a good news story with gluten-free prescribing staying in line with Coeliac UK recommendations. However in some areas the cuts are worryingly restrictive. In Surrey, Sussex and Kent patients with coeliac disease are being limited to only twelve types of long-life bread and four different flours. We are also aware of similar restrictions being applied by Stockport PCT and are currently investigating the issue.

Coeliac UK has been lobbying hard to reverse these changes and are grateful to all of those who have supported the campaign. For further information on the campaign and to take part, visit http://www.coeliac.org.uk/gluten-free-diet-lifestyle/south-east-coast-alliance

The South East Coast Alliance is now calling an emergency meeting on Friday 18 March to review the evidence.