Are Local UK Health Plans Dangerous for People with Celiac Disease?

Celiac.com 07/24/2018 - The UK is in the midst of a national evaluation and reshaping of gluten-free prescription practices for people with celiac disease. Meanwhile, local health authorities in Calderdale, UK, are catching heat for a plan to consult with local people on proposed prescription cuts for gluten-free foods, branded medications and over the counter supermarket items.

Critics, including leading charity, Coeliac UK, strongly oppose cutting gluten-free prescriptions for patients in Calderdale and elsewhere. They say the plan is a pointless waste of time and money, as results are due in from a nationwide consultation.

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Chief executive Sarah Sleet described the move by the NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as a poor use of public money. The Commissioning Group claims that consulting with local people over the plans could save £800,000 a year, while Sleet warns that, if approved, the move will result in “health inequality.”

The Commissioning Group is proposing to eliminate funding of certain gluten-free products on prescription, thus saving £120,000. The plan would affect all people who receive gluten-free foods on prescription.  Coeliac UK contends that any reduction or elimination of gluten-free prescriptions will negatively impact the ability of celiac patients, to access needed gluten-free foods.

The consultation exercise in Calderdale is slated to run through December 4. Meanwhile, Results are forthcoming from a recently concluded national consultation on gluten-free prescription practices in the UK.

Stay tuned for more on what these decisions mean for UK residents living with celiac disease.

See the CCG's online consultation survey.