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Department of Health and Social Care decides gluten-free staples should remain on prescription for coeliacs

Department of Health and Social Care
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has decided that access to gluten-free breads and flour mixes on prescription should remain for those diagnosed with coeliac disease. The decision follows a national consultation which received almost 8,000 responses, the vast majority of which were from patients, carers or healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
A number of factors were acknowledged as important in the decision including recognition of availability and accessibility issues and the potential cost of associated health complications incurred as a result of poor adherence to a gluten-free diet.
 
Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition for which the only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Research has shown that a gluten-free prescription helps patients to adhere to their treatment whilst providing a consistent and accessible supply of gluten-free foods, overcoming some of the main issues highlighted in this consultation.
 
The inconsistency between Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) policies on access to gluten-free foods on prescription has resulted in inequality and prompted the national consultation. In light of the DHSC decision, Coeliac UK, the national patient charity, plan to challenge CCGs that have already removed access to gluten-free prescriptions to reverse their decisions.
 
The DHSC will continue to work with various stakeholders on the next steps following the consultation outcome.
 
Read the DHSC Report
www.drschaer-institute.com