In a move that has sparked outrage among patient advocacy groups, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has confirmed it will completely cease prescribing gluten-free foods to patients with coeliac disease.
The controversial decision, which takes effect immediately, will affect thousands of residents across the region who rely on these prescriptions to manage their autoimmune condition safely.
What's Changing for Coeliac Patients?
Until now, patients diagnosed with coeliac disease could access essential gluten-free staples like bread and pasta through NHS prescriptions. This system ensured they could maintain the strict gluten-free diet required to prevent serious health complications.
Under the new policy, all gluten-free prescriptions will be discontinued, forcing patients to cover the full cost of these specialist foods themselves. The decision follows similar moves by other NHS commissioning groups across England seeking to reduce expenditure.
The Financial Impact on Patients
Coeliac UK, the leading charity for people with the condition, has strongly condemned the move. They highlight that gluten-free products typically cost 3-4 times more than their regular counterparts in supermarkets.
"This decision places an unfair financial burden on people with a medically diagnosed condition," said a spokesperson for the charity. "For many patients, particularly those on lower incomes, this could make maintaining a safe diet incredibly challenging."
Understanding Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease isn't a food allergy or intolerance - it's a serious autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues when gluten is consumed. Even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms including:
- Severe digestive problems
- Chronic fatigue
- Nutrient malabsorption
- Increased risk of other autoimmune conditions
- Long-term complications including osteoporosis
The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. There are no medications or other therapies available.
Broader NHS Prescription Changes
This decision forms part of wider changes to NHS prescribing policies across England. Many areas have already restricted or eliminated gluten-free prescriptions, creating what patient groups call a "postcode lottery" for essential dietary support.
NHS England has encouraged clinical commissioning groups to review their prescribing of "low clinical value" items, which now includes gluten-free foods despite their medical necessity for coeliac patients.
The move raises important questions about how the NHS balances financial pressures against its duty to support patients with chronic medical conditions requiring specific dietary management.
