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  • Jefferson Adams

    Health Cuts in UK Doom Gluten-Free Food Prescriptions

    Jefferson Adams

    By Jefferson Adams •

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    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

      Health managers in the UK have announced funding cuts that eliminate prescriptions for gluten-free food. Patients with such prescriptions, including children, will be notified by mail of the pending changes.


    Image: CC--salomon10
    Caption: Image: CC--salomon10

    Celiac.com 12/18/2018 - Prescriptions for gluten-free food will no longer be part of the UK’s vaunted national health care program in all places, due in part to the widespread availability of gluten-free foods at regular markets, and the high costs of maintaining the program.

    Starting Monday, December 3rd, 2018, gluten-free food will no longer be routinely available on prescription from any GP practice in the "Greater Nottingham" region for patients with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis: a skin condition linked to celiac disease. Patients with such prescriptions, including children, will be notified by mail of the pending changes, and will receive information, help and support for managing their gluten-free diets.


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    Coming at a time of "severe financial pressures", the decision ostensibly concerns patients in Nottingham, Rushcliffe, Gedling, Broxtowe and Hucknall, where patients were eligible for a mix of bread and flour each month. In the city, patients could get a range of products like bread, pasta, mix and cereal.

    Explaining the decision, Dr Hugh Porter, chair of the Nottingham City Clinical Commissioning Group, said "The cost to the NHS of a loaf of gluten-free bread is much higher than those bought in a supermarket.”

    Dr. Porter also adds that the Commissioning Group is planning a detailed evaluation process “to assess the effects of these changes over the coming year."

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  • About Me

    Jefferson Adams

    Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University, and has authored more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously served as SF Health News Examiner for Examiner.com, and devised health and medical content for Sharecare.com. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of the book "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

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