Gluten-free prescriptions could be withdrawn for adult coeliac patients
The lifelong autoimmune disease is caused by a reaction to gluten found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye.About 7,856 patients across South Yorkshire have a diagnosis, according to the ICB.The ICB examined the price of bread in several supermarkets and found at the highest end, Lidl's GF 480g white loaf was £2.99 compared to an 800g normal loaf for 49p.A prescription allows patients between eight and 10 loaves a month on the NHS.
Helen Armstrong from Sheffield was diagnosed in 2014 and writes the food blog Steeliac, offering GF recipes and restaurant recommendations.She said: "I think the public sometimes has a misconception that prescriptions enable people to get cakes and biscuits on the NHS."I'm thankfully able to afford to buy the basics but people with lower incomes will be severely impacted and it's the budget supermarkets where we are seeing the biggest price difference between GF and normal bread."It will have a huge impact on people who are shopping on limited budgets."
The coeliac specialty service in Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital sees 400-500 patients per year and says prescriptions help patients stick to a GF diet.Gastroenterology dietitian Dr Nick Trott said: "This disease is a severe autoimmune condition, it's not an intolerance, and there is no other medical treatment apart from a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet."If these prescriptions are withdrawn the people it will affect are the poorer, more socially and economically deprived members of society, the people who are most likely to struggle to adhere to the only treatment."It's targeting, potentially, a group of people who are most vulnerable."I think potentially this could be seen as a short-term cost saving that will have knock-on effects down the line that would result in more healthcare costs in the long term."The change would follow national guidelines and align with neighbouring health boards.The ICB said: "If patients can't access prescribed GF products, this may increase the likelihood that they consume gluten, leading to medical complications and higher cost to the NHS."It should be noted however that manufactured GF bread often contains ultra-processed ingredients."By prescribing manufactured GF products, the NHS could be seen to be encouraging the consumption of ultra-processed foods."
An NHS South Yorkshire spokesperson said: "We are currently reviewing gluten-free prescribing guidance to understand if it still provides the best value for the people of South Yorkshire."We have listened to local people and taken into consideration national context to ensure best value for money as well as meeting the needs of our population."We are seeking the views of councillors to assess what we have heard and consider any further engagement activity".Sheffield City Council will discuss the proposal at a meeting later.
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