7 March 2017

We are very disappointed to tell you that the CCGs have announced the decision to stop prescribing gluten free foods. 

Policy change in Mansfield and Ashfield

While the CCGs have 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 products 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 CCGs 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.

Date of Implementation

This policy will be implemented:

From 1 March 2017 for all patients who receive a diagnosis of coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis from that date.

From 1 April 2017 for all existing patients diagnosed with coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis, where there are no special circumstances. 

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 submitting an online form, calling on 0115 963 5179 or writing to Healthwatch Nottinghamshire, Byron Business Centre, Duke Street, Hucknall, Nottingham, NG15 7HP
• 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
• Contact your CCG, if you don’t know which CCG area you live in you can check on our website or you can ask us by calling on 0333 332 2033
• Contact Mansfield and Ashfield CCG by emailing (NSHCCG.Pet-North@nhs.net), writing to NHS Mansfield and Ashfield Clinical Commissioning Group, Hawthorn House, Ransom Wood Business Park, Southwell Road West, Rainworth, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 OHJ or calling on 0300 300 1234
• Contact Newark and Sherwood CCG by emailing (NSHCCG.Pet-North@nhs.net),  writing to Balderton Primary Care Centre, Lowfield Lane, Balderton, Nottinghamshire, UK NG24 3HJ or calling on 01636 594817

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 CCGs on the issue and will seek the support of clinicians in the area. We will be asking the CCGs 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.