SOUTH Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are seeking people’s views on gluten-free food prescription after revealing how much it costs the NHS.

Prescriptions for gluten-free food are currently given to those diagnosed with digestive disorders like coeliac disease, at a cost of £315,000 a year to South Gloucestershire and North Somerset CCGs.

Because of this cost, the CCG proposes to stop prescribing to people over the age of 18 and offer a limited list of “staple” foods, such as bread and pasta, to those aged under-18.  

Mel Green, head of medicines management at South Gloucestershire, said that the proposal reflects the fact that gluten-free products are now more freely available in supermarkets.

She said: “Gluten free products have been available on the NHS for around 40 years.”

“However, we believe that modern improvements in gluten free options in supermarkets has made it possible to eat a gluten free diet without foods being specially prescribed on the NHS.”

“We are not alone in looking at this area of prescribing, in light of the financial pressure the NHS is under.”

With health and social care budgets in mind, both South Gloucestershire and North Somerset CCGs have launched a consultation into people’s opinions on GF food prescriptions, which runs until Friday, March 17.  

Comments are particularly welcomed from people who have coeliac disease and those who currently receive gluten-free food that is paid for by the NHS.

Tom Gregory, Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist at North Somerset CCG, said that it’s the “right thing to do” at a time when the NHS is under “considerable financial pressure”.

He added: “It is really important that we consult patients, staff, partner organisations and wider public so that we fully understand the range of views before any decision is made.”

“We would like to hear your views on this proposed change, whether or not you are a patient living with coeliac disease.”

The consultation can be found be visiting the ‘Get Involved’ section of the South Gloucestershire and North Somerset CCG websites.

Feedback will be used to inform decisions on the services which will be provided across South Gloucestershire and North Somerset for patients with coeliac disease.

Coeliac disease is a common condition that affects approximately one in every 100 people in the UK.

Gluten, a protein which is present in foods such as pasta, bread and cereal, can cause damage to the small intestine and disrupt the body’s ability to absorb nutrients for those who have the condition.  

More information on coeliac disease, including symptoms and treatments, can be found on the NHS Choices website