12 January 2017

We are very disappointed to tell you that the CCG has announced the decision to stop prescribing gluten-free foods from 1 January 2017.

Policy change in NHS Blackburn with Darwen CCG

While the CCG has made this decision, we would like to stress that the final decision about what to prescribe lies with your GP. 
We would therefore encourage you to have a discussion with your GP about gluten-free food on prescription if you are concerned about the impact this may have on you being able to manage your gluten-free diet.

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

Have your say

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

• Contact the local Healthwatch by emailing (info@healthwatchbwd.co.uk) calling on 01254 504985 or writing to Healthwatch Blackburn with Suite 20, Blackburn Enterprise Centre, Furthergate, Blackburn, BB1 3HQ
• Contact Blackburn with Darwen CCG by emailing, (mlcsu.customercarelancashire@nhs.net), writing to Blackburn with Darwen CCG, Fusion House, Evolution Park, Haslingden Road BB1 2FD or calling on 01254 282000
• 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  

Share your story

As part of our work in opposing prescription cuts, we are looking for people affected by these 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. To become a case study or to find out more about interview opportunities please call us on 0333 332 2033.

We will continue to make strong representations to the CCG on the issue and will seek the support of clinicians in the area.  We will be asking the CCG how the impact of the change on the long term health of people with coeliac disease will be monitored.

We will also keep you informed about our campaigns and research and let you know about developments in gluten-free prescribing in Crossed Grain magazine, our electronic newsletters and on our website.