5 September 2016

We have received confirmation that Greenwich CCG has stopped prescribing gluten-free food. This came into effect in July 2016, however for people who have purchased a pre-payment certificate, gluten-free food should be available on prescription until the certificate expires.

We are very disappointed by the CCGs decision to stop access to gluten-free food on prescription and will be submitting a formal response to the CCG in support of continued support for people with coeliac disease.

We understand the importance of access to gluten-free products on prescription for people with coeliac disease, particularly those on low incomes or those only able to reach 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. This will in turn increase the likelihood of complications of coeliac disease such as osteoporosis, which will cost the NHS more in the long term.

Although we understand the budgetary pressures being faced by the NHS, making efficiencies in NHS procurement or use of alternative supply models could enable cost savings to be made whilst still supporting people with coeliac disease. We will be asking the CCG if alternative prescribing schemes were considered. There is a national scheme in Scotland, where there is direct supply of gluten-free food from the pharmacy, which has resulted in savings around product control and savings in GP time, without completely restricting access to gluten-free food on prescription.

• Contact the local HealthWatch by emailing info@healthwatchgreenwich.co.uk, writing to Healthwatch Greenwich, Gunnery House, 9-11 Gunnery Terrace, Woolwich, London, SE18 6SW or calling on 020 8301 8340
• Contact Greenwich CCG by emailing GRECCG.NHSGreenwichCCG@nhs.net writing to NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group, The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, Woolwich SE18 6NDor calling on 0203 049 9000
• Write to your local MP, we have a sample letter 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.

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. For more information about getting involved with our prescriptions campaign, visit our prescriptions campaign page.