CCG bans GPs from prescribing gluten-free foods

Health bosses in Herefordshire have agreed to stop prescribing gluten free foods and some over the counter medicines to patients.

The move by NHS Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group will affect a range of medicines, vitamins, minerals and gluten free food that patients can buy without prescription from supermarkets, fuel stations and pharmacies.

However, doctors may still continue to prescribe a limited range of gluten free bread and flour mix products to vulnerable patients in exceptional circumstances.

The CCG conducted its own survey with residents about the proposals prior to making a decision.

A total of 173 respondents said there should be a restriction implemented for short-term minor conditions and ailments, whereas 22 disagreed.

And 125 residents agreed the CCG should stop the prescription of gluten free foods while 54 disagreed with the proposal.

A spokesperson for NHS Herefordshire CCG, said: “We have listened to clinicians, patients and partners and there is broad support for our decision.

“These items are now more readily available than before and the cost to the NHS is significantly higher than paid in local shops and pharmacies.

“Like most other CCGs, by reducing spend on these items we can reinvest this money into other NHS services.

“Your local pharmacist or GP will be able to offer advice and support.”

An NHS England consultation on gluten free foods is expected to lead to regulating retaining a limited range of bread and mix products on prescription while other foods such as biscuits, cereals, cooking aids will no longer be available for prescribing.