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Celiac.com 01/06/2020 - National charity Coeliac UK is opposing the further proposed cuts to gluten-free prescriptions for many patients in Buckinghamshire, which they say goes against the Government’s decision to maintain this essential support for all patients with celiac disease. For those unfamiliar with the British system of getting gluten-free food to people with celiac and other gluten sensitivities, the system works by providing prescriptions for gluten-free bread and flour mixes. Citing recent trends toward more readily available gluten-free foods in general, there has been a push by some in UK government to eliminate food prescriptions, which are currently handled as part of the NHS, the UK's famous health program. The charity points to a recent effort by the NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to include people who would not be affected by any policy change in their survey of views on the matter of eliminating access to gluten-free bread and flour mix currently available on prescription. The charity fears that allowing people with no actual stake in the matter to comment, including those who don't understand why people need gluten-free food, or who see gluten-free food as a lifestyle choice, rather than a medical necessity, will skew the debate and the result. The charity's concern is that cuts to gluten-free prescriptions may leave some celiac patients without access to the gluten-free food they need to maintain their diet, which is medically necessary to treat celiac disease. The charity has encouraged all those affected to complete an online survey so that their opinions are heard. Although the survey is now closed, the responses to it will be published on February 10, 2020. What do you think? Should people who don't have celiac disease or gluten-intolerance have a say in the debate over access to gluten-free food? Share your thought in the comments below. Read more at bucksherald.co.uk

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. 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."

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. 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.