We are aware that NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are reviewing their policy on access to gluten-free food on prescription and are asking local people for their views.
The CCG currently follows the National Prescribing Guidelines and prescribe up to 18 units (depending on age and gender) of gluten-free staple foods.
However, the CCG is now reviewing their policy on access to gluten-free foods on prescription.
Coeliac UK communication with the CCG
We are concerned by the proposal and will be submitting a formal response in support of continuing access to gluten-free food on prescription.
Our arguments will focus on the importance of gluten-free staples on prescription to support management and adherence to the gluten-free diet in view of cost and availability issues.
Research shows that gluten-free staple foods are not readily available to purchase in budget supermarkets and convenience stores and that gluten-free staple foods are 3-4 times more expensive than gluten containing equivalents.
We will also be asking local healthcare professionals for their support.
Have your say
The engagement period will run until 31 March 2017. You can engage through completing the online survey found at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/65HXF2X
Alternatively, you can send the CCG an email to share your view (engage@awcccg.nhs.uk). The CCG will be holding some drop in sessions and we would encourage you to attend and make your thoughts known:
26 January, 10.15am to 11.45am at Central Hall, Alice Street in Keighley
10 February, 12.15pm to 1.45pm at Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffle Road in Ilkley
3 March, 10.15am to 11.45am at Skipton Town Hall, High Street in Skipton
If you have no access to the internet, you can call the CCG for details of the drop in sessions on 01274 237324.
We would also encourage you to 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 proposed changes would affect you.
Share your story
As part of our work in opposing prescription cuts, we are looking for people affected by these prescription cuts to act as case studies.
This will enable us to give examples to the media of how this policy change would affect 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 provide updates as the situation progresses through direct mailings, Crossed Grain magazine and on our website.