12 October 2016

Despite our strong representations to the CCG that people with coeliac disease require gluten-free foods on prescription as an essential support for their gluten-free diet, we are very disappointed that NHS Kernow CCG has announced the decision to stop prescribing gluten-free foods from 30 November. 

We made the case about 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 and in turn increase the likelihood of complications of coeliac disease such as osteoporosis, which will cost the NHS more in the long term.

While the CCG 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.

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

• Contact the local Healthwatch by emailing (enquiries@healthwatchcornwall.co.uk), calling on  0800 0381 281 or writing to Healthwatch Cornwall, 6 Walsingham Place, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2RP
• Contact Kernow CCG by emailing (kccg.contactus@nhs.net), writing to NHS Kernow CCG, Sedgemoor Centre, Priory Road, St Austell PL25 5AS or call 01726 627800
• Write to your local MP, we have a sample letter on our website (www.coeliac.org.uk/prescriptioncampaign) 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

Coeliac UK 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.