HEALTH bosses in Wharfedale are recommending doctors no longer prescribe gluten-free food.

NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has made the decision to stop providing gluten-free (GF) food on prescription for patients of all ages from this month.

It follows a consultation when over 600 responses were received from a wide range of people, including those living with coeliac disease. This feedback, together with clinical evidence and financial information, was then considered by the CCG before it made its decision.

Gluten-free food such as bread, flour, cereal and pasta have been prescribed on the NHS for more than 30 years when it was not readily available. Many supermarkets now stock a wide range of these items, however, the NHS is still spending £25million a year providing GF food on prescription.

Health bosses say that with an increasing demand for services, the NHS must look at all the products and services and make decisions about what services to expand and what to reduce.

Dr Colin Renwick, Executive GP and Prescribing Lead at NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG, said: “We would like to thank people for taking part in the consultation and giving such excellent feedback. This has been a hard decision that we have certainly not taken lightly; we know this will affect many people with coeliac disease who have received gluten-free food on prescription for a long time.

“However, the NHS is still spending £25m a year to provide gluten-free products on prescription. In Airedale, the total annual spend is over £100,000. With an increasing demand for services, the NHS must look at prioritising where it spends the available resources to maximise the benefits for the whole population.”

To help patients in maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, the charity Coeliac UK publishes an annual list of naturally gluten-free foods – rice, potatoes, fruit, vegetables, and more – which can be included in a regular grocery shop. More information about the directory can be found at:https://www.coeliac.org.uk/gluten-free-diet-and-lifestyle/food-shopping/food-and-drink-directory/

The CCG reviewed the gluten-free policy as part of an overall NHS programme known as QIPP – quality, innovation, productivity and prevention.