It is important that individuals with coeliac disease are able to access the appropriate food to help control symptoms and prevent long-term consequences of the disease.
Gluten-free (GF) foods have been available on NHS prescription since the late 1960s, when their availability was very limited. The situation, today, is very different and GF foods are widely available for consumers to purchase from supermarkets and other food outlets. As well as these being available in-store, GF products in the major supermarket chains are available on-line and consumers can have their shopping delivered to their home.
Given this choice and increased availability, a consultation has been launched looking at how changes to the availability of GF foods can be managed so that savings can be achieved and the funds used elsewhere in the NHS. Members of the public have the opportunity to submit their views and can do so until 22 June 2017. The consultation webpage includes details of how you can do this:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/availability-of-gluten-free…
The NHS spent £25.7 million on the basic cost of GF foods in 2015. Many NHS organisations are already taking measures to manage this spend and much of their work has helped to inform the consultation and the impact of any changes.