17 June 2016

In March we notified our Members about the joint consultation held by Southend, Castle Point and Rochford. We now have an update on these Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

Castle Point and Rochford CCG have informed us that a decision on gluten-free prescribing has been postponed to allow further time for consideration. We will continue to keep everyone updated as we hear more from the CCG.

Southend CCG reviewed the results of the consultation at their board meeting. Results of the consultation showed 65% of people accessing prescriptions felt that the service should continue with no change and 97% of those using the prescription service believed that it is appropriate that the NHS provides gluten-free food on prescription for those who need it. 

As part of the consultation, Coeliac UK submitted a formal response and also had a teleconference with the CCG, where we provided evidence for the increased cost and variable availability of gluten-free food. We also shared our concerns that the proposed removal of prescriptions would have the greatest impact on the most vulnerable and could reduce peoples' ability to stick to the gluten-free diet. 

Despite this, the CCG has announced the decision to stop prescribing gluten-free foods with immediate effect. 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.

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, calling on 01702 356066 or writing to Healthwatch Southend, 29-31 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1BW
• contact Southend CCG by emailing, writing to Harcourt House, 5-15 Harcourt Avenue, Southend on sea, SS2 6HT or calling on 01702 314299
• 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.

We will continue to provide updates in Crossed Grain magazine, on our website and in our electronic newsletters. For more information about getting involved with our prescriptions campaign, visit our prescriptions campaign page.