28 September 2016

In June we notified Members about West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG’s) consultation on gluten-free food on prescription.

We are very disappointed to tell you that the CCG has announced the decision to stop prescribing gluten-free foods from 1 October. The results of the consultation survey showed that 41% of respondents disagreed with the proposal to stop prescribing gluten-free food, 10% were undecided and 49% were in support of removing access to gluten-free food.

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 and 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 and use of alternative supply models could enable cost savings to be made whilst still supporting people with coeliac disease. Coeliac UK has already highlighted alternative prescribing schemes, where there is direct supply of gluten-free food from the pharmacy, making savings around product control and saving GP time without completely restricting access to gluten-free food on prescription.

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

• contact the local HealthWatch by emailing info@healthwatchcwac.org.uk, calling on 01606 351134 or writing to Healthwatch Cheshire West, Sension House, Denton Drive, Northwich, CW9 7LU
  Contact West Cheshire CCG by emailing enquiries.wcheshireccg@nhs.net, writing to West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, 1829 Building, Countess of Chester Health Park, Liverpool Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1HJ or calling on 01244 650 300
• 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.