NHS Bristol clinical commissioning group (CCG) are proposing to stop the routine prescribing of gluten free foods for adults but will continue prescribing for children under 18 from a limited list of products.
The CCG are asking local people for their views and we are contacting you to make sure you have the chance to respond, and to let you know what we are doing to campaign against restrictions.
Coeliac UK communication with the CCG
We will be submitting a formal response in support of continuing access to gluten free food on prescription for adults. 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 higher cost and limited availability.
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.
Media
Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Coeliac UK was interviewed on 22 January by BBC Radio Bristol about the consultation. The interview will be available for the next few days here (starting at 42mins 25seconds).
They also used a soundbite from the interview during their 8am news bulletin at 1 hour 32 mins 35 seconds.
Have your say
The consultation is open for 12 weeks and you can complete the online survey here.
If you would like to request a hard copy of the consultation document please call Bristol CCG on 0117 900 3432 or email: glutenfree@bnssg.nhs.net.
We would also encourage you to 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 proposed changes would affect you.
As part of our work in opposing prescription cuts, we are looking for people affected by these changes 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.